N-acetyl aldosamines and related N-acetyl compounds, and their topical use

ABSTRACT

Compositions comprising N-acetyl-aldosamines, N-acetylamino acids, and related N-acetyl compounds are useful to alleviate or improve various cosmetic conditions and dermatological disorders, including changes or damage to skin, nail and hair associated with intrinsic aging and/or extrinsic aging, as well as changes or damage caused by extrinsic factors. N-acetyl-aldosamines, N-acetylamino acids, and related N-acetyl composition may further comprise a cosmetic, pharmaceutical or other topical agent to enhance or create synergetic effects.

The present application is a reissue of U.S. application Ser. No.09/560,901 filed 28 Apr. 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,524,593 issued 25Feb. 2003.

This application is a continuation, application Ser. No. 09/227,213,file Jan. 8, 1999 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,159,485.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application relates to topical compositions containingN-acetyl-aldosamines, N-acetylamino acids, and related N-acetylcompounds, and their use in alleviating or improving various cosmeticconditions and dermatological disorders including signs of aging,changes or damage to skin, nail and hair associated with intrinsic agingand/or extrinsic aging, as well as changes or damage caused by extrinsicfactors such as sunlight, radiation, air pollution, wind, cold, heat,dampness, chemicals, smoke, and cigarette smoking; and for certain skindisorders associated with or due to itching and/or inflammation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

In our U.S. Pat. No. 5,091,171 we described and claimed preventive aswell as therapeutic treatment to alleviate cosmetic conditions andsymptoms of dermatologic disorders with amphoteric compositionscontaining alpha hydroxyacids, alpha ketoacids, polymeric forms ofhydroxyacids, and related compounds or. In our U.S. Pat. No. 5,547,988,and related patents, we described the use of topical compositionscomprising a 2-hydroxycarboxylic acid or related compound to alleviateor improve signs of skin, nail and hair changes associated withintrinsic or extrinsic aging. In our U.S. Pat. No. 5,385,938, andrelated patents, we described preventive and therapeutic treatment toalleviate cosmetic conditions and symptoms of dermatologic disorderswith amphoteric compositions containing alpha hydroxy acids, alphaketoacids, polymeric forms of hydroxy acids, and related compounds or.In our U.S. Pat. No. 5,258,391 entitled “Phenyl Alpha AcyloxyalkanoicAcids, Derivatives and Their Therapeutic Use” we described and claimedthe use of topical compositions containing phenyl alpha acyloxyalkanoicacids and derivatives to enhance the keratization of nails, skin, lipsand other mucous membranes. In our U.S. Pat. No. 5,665,776 entitled“Additives Enhancing Topical Actions of Therapeutic Agents” we describedand claimed the use of hydroxycarboxylic acids or related compounds toincrease the cosmetic or therapeutic effect of cosmetic orpharmaceutical agents. In our U.S. Pat. No. 5,641,475 we described andclaimed the use of topical compositions containing a bioactive cosmetic,dermatologic or preservative agent and aryl 2-acetoxyethanoic acideffective as a synergist or amplifier. In our U.S. Pat. No. 5,643,949also entitled “Phenyl Alpha Acyloxyalkanoic Acids, Derivatives and TheirTherapeutic Use” we described and claimed the use of topicalcompositions containing a cosmetic or dermatologic drug for topicaladministration to nails, skin and lips and an amount of a phenyl alphaacyloxyalkanoic acid or derivatives effective to enhance the cosmetic ortherapeutic effect of the dermatologic drug. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,603,146to Albert M. Kligman, disclosure is made of the use of vitamin A(tretionoin) to reduced and prevent epithelial growths and aid the skinin regaining and maintaining firmness, turgor and elasticity.

In a report entitled “Topical Tretinoin for Photoaged Skin” by Kligmanet al., J. American Academy of Dermatology, Vol. 15, pages 836-859,886-887 (1986), daily topical application of 0.05% tretinoin (also knownas all-transretinoic acid) in a cream has been found to improvephotodamaged skin. In another report entitled “Topical TretinoinImproves Photoaged Skin: A Double-blind Vehicle-controlled Study” byWeiss et al., J. American Medical Association, Vol. 259 pages 527-532(1988), daily topical application of 0.1% retinoin as compared tovehicle alone application for 16 weeks has been shown to improvephotoaged skin. One side-effect has been a dermatitis encountered by 92%of the patients participating in this study. The dermatitis wascharacterized by a patchy erythema, localized swelling, dry skin, andmild scaling. Patients complained about burning, tingling, or pruritus.In yet another report entitled “Topical Tretinoin in the Treatment ofAging Skin” by Weiss et al., J. American Academy of Dermatology Vol. 19,pages 169-175 (1988), topical application of 0.1% tretinoin cream for 8to 12 months has been found to improve clinical signs of aging skin. Theside effects have been burning sensation in the eyes and mild skinirritations.

In PCT Application No. PCT/US96/16534, filed Oct. 16, 1996, entitled“Topical Compositions Containing N-Acetylcysteine and Odor MaskingMaterials,” topical compositions comprising from 0.01% to 50% ofN-acetylcysteine or a derivative of N-acetylcysteine, from 0.01% to 0.5%of an odor masking material, and a topical carrier are disclosed toimprove the appearance of skin.

N-Acetylcysteine is N-acetylated cysteine which is a thiol containingamino acid, also called α-acetamido-β-mercaptopropanoic acid. Topicalcompositions containing N-acetylcysteine have been claimed to improvephysical appearance of the skin including cosmetic wrinkles.N-acetylcysteine contains a free thiol group, thus, is known as anantioxidant. The affect of N-acetylcysteine is claimed to be due to itsantioxidant property. N-Acetylcysteine, as an antioxidant substance,also has been indicated as protective against pulmonary oxygen toxicity(Eur. Respir. J. 2, 116-126, 1989).

N-acetylcysteine, however, is also associated with a number ofsignificant drawbacks. N-acetylcysteine is known to degrade underordinary storage conditions and result in a malodorous smell. Themalodor is suggested to be caused by the release of thiol compounds andhydrogen sulfide upon degradation. Thus, topical compositions containingN-acetylcysteine have little or no commercial use due to the strongmalodor of N-acetylcysteine.

PCT/US96/16534 claimed that the malodor could be masked by addition ofcertain perfume chemicals at concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 0.5% byweight. The perfume chemicals include aromatic esters, aliphatic esters,aromatic alcohol, aliphatic alcohols, aliphatic ketones, aromaticaldehydes, aliphatic aldehydes, aromatic ethers and aliphatic ethers.Because the malodorous thiol compounds and hydrogen sulfide have notbeen chemically neutralized or destroyed, however, the transient maskingeffect is not a satisfactory solution for most consumers, and thereforeis not a viable approach for commercialization of N-acetylcysteine incosmetic industry.

We have now discovered that N-aldosamines, N-acetylated amino acids andrelated compounds are topically effective for various cosmeticconditions and dermatological indications including the signs of skin,nail and hair changes associated with intrinsic and/or extrinsic aging.The N-acetylated amino acids and related compounds do not necessarilycontain thiol groups and are not necessarily antioxidants.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide methods andcompositions which can alleviate various cosmetic conditions anddermatological disorders including the signs of skin, nail and hairchanges associated with intrinsic and/or extrinsic aging and extrinsicfactors, and other skin conditions associated with or due to itchingand/ or inflamation, including pruritus.

We have now discovered that N-acetyl aldosamines, N-acetylamino acidsand related N-acetyl compounds have unexpected properties. Topicalapplications of compositions comprising N-acetyl aldosamines,N-acetylamino acids and related N-acetyl compounds have been found toimprove cosmetic conditions and dermatological disorders includingcosmetic as well as clinical signs of changes in skin, nails and hairassociated with intrinsic and/or extrinsic aging, or the damages causedby extrinsic factors such as sunlight, radiation, air pollution, wind,cold, dampness, heat, chemicals, smoke, and cigarette smoking.

The signs of skin changes associated with intrinsic and/or extrinsicaging and the skin damages caused by extrinsic factors include thinningof skin; fragile skin; deepening of skin lines and fine lines; wrinkles,including fine and course wrinkles; blemishes; atrophy; pigmented spots,blotches and mottles, nodules and mottled skin; pre-cancerous lesions;elastotic changes characterized by leathery, lusterless, uneven, coarse,rough, dry and/or yellowish skin; loss of skin elasticity andrecoilability; loss of skin lubricating substances; changes in qualitiesand quantities of glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans and collagen andelastic fibers; solar elastosis; decrease in collagen fibers; diminutionin the number and diameter of elastic fibers in the papillary dermis;atrophy; stretch marks; reduction in subcutaneous adipose tissue;deposition of abnormal elastic materials in the dermis leading tothickening of the dermis; older-looking skin; and telangiectatic skin.

The signs of nails and hair changes associated with intrinsic aging andthe damages caused by extrinsic factors include thinning, fragility,splitting, lack of luster, uneven surface, and loss of flexibility andelasticity.

In accordance with the objects of the invention, a compositioncomprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting ofN-acetyl aldosamines, N-acetylamino acids and related compounds, presentin a therapeutically effective amount and in a pharmaceuticallyacceptable vehicle for topical treatment of cosmetic conditions ordermatological disorders is provided. In one embodiment of theinvention, the composition further comprises a cosmetic, pharmaceutical,or other topical agent.

Also in accordance with the objects of the invention, a method fortreating cosmetic conditions and dermatological disorders comprisingtopically applying a therapeutically effective amount of a compositioncomprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting ofN-acetyl aldosamines, N-acetylamino acids and related compounds, in apharmaceutically acceptable vehicle is provided. In one embodiment ofthe invention, the method comprises topically applying a therapeuticallyeffective amount of a composition comprising at least one compoundselected from the group consisting of N-acetyl aldosamines,N-acetylamino acids and related compounds, and at least one cosmetic,pharmaceutical, or other topical agent, in a pharmaceutically acceptablevehicle.

N-Acetyl aldosamines, N-acetylamino acids and related N-acetyl compoundswhich are useful for topical treatment of skin, nail and hair changesassociated with intrinsic and/or extrinsic aging and extrinsic factorsinclude, inter alia, N-acetyl-aldosamines which are derivatives ofaminosugars and include N-acetyl-ribosamine, N-acetyl-arabinosamine,N-acetyl-glucosamine, N-acetyl-galactosamine and N-acetyl-mannosamine,and N-acetylamino acids which are N-acetyl derivatives of amino acidsand include N-acetyl-glucine, N-acetyl-proline, N-acetyl-lysine,N-acetyl-arginine and N-acetyl-tryptophan.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth inpart in the description that follows, and in part will be obvious fromthe description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Theobjects and the advantages of this invention may be realized andobtained by means of the compositions and methods particularly pointedout in the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 1.N-Acetyl-aldosamines, N-Acetylamino acids and Related N-Acetyl Compounds

(i) N-Acetyl-aldosamines

One aspect of the present invention pertains to compositions comprisingN-acetyl-aldosamines and related compounds. N-acetyl-aldosamines areN-acetylated aminosugars in which the acetylamino group is preferablylocated at position 2 of the carbon chain. In accordance with thepresent invention, the generic structure or formula ofN-acetyl-aldosamines which are topically beneficial for various cosmeticand dermatologic indications may be represented as follows:

where n is an integer, preferably 1-19; R₁ is selected from the groupconsisting of CHO, CONH₂, and COOR₃; R₂ is selected from the groupconsisting of H, I, F, Cl, Br, and an alky, akoxyl, aralkyl or arylgroup of saturated or unsaturated, isomeric or non-isomeric, straight orbranched chain or cyclic form, having 1 to 19 carbon atoms; and R³ isselected from the group consisting of H, an alkyl, aralkyl or aryl grouphaving 1 to 9 carbon atoms. N-Acetyl-aldosamines may be present assaturated or unsaturated, isomeric or non-isomeric, straight or branchedchain or cyclic form. A typical cyclic form of an N-acetyl-aldosamine ifa five member ring (furanose form) or a six member ring (pyranose form).

The following are some representative N-acetyl-aldosamines and relatedcompound N-acetyl-glycerosamine, N-acetyl-erythrosamine,N-acetyl-threosamine, N-acetyl-ribosamine, N-acetyl-arabinosamine,N-acetyl-xylosamine, N-acetyl-lyxosamine, N-acetyl-allosamine,N-acetyl-altrosamine, N-acetyl-glucosamine, N-acetyl-mannosamine,N-acetyl-gulosamine, N-acetyl-idosamine, N-acetyl-galactosamine,N-acetyl-talosamine, N-acetyl-glucoheptosamine,N-acetyl-galactoheptosamine, N-acetyl-mannoheptosamine,N-acetyllactosamine, N-acetylmuramic acid, N-acetylneuramine,N-acetylneuramin Lactose, N-acetyl-glyceraminic acid,N-acetyl-erythrosaminic acid, N-acetyl-threosaminic acid,N-acetyl-ribosaminic acid, N-acetyl-arabinosaminic acid,N-acetyl-xylosaminic acid, N-acetyl-lyxosaminic acid,N-acetyl-allosaminic acid, N-acetyl-altrosaminic acid,N-acetyl-glucosaminic acid, N-acetyl-mannosaminic acid,N-acetyl-gulosaminic acid, N-acetyl-idosaminic acid,N-acetyl-galactosaminic acid, N-acetyl-talosaminic acid,N-acetyl-heptoglucosaminic acid, N-acetyl-heptogalactosaminic acid,N-acetyl-heptomannosaminic acid, and N-acetyl-neuraminic acid. Theamides and esters of the foregoing acid compounds also are contemplatedby the present invention. Examples of five and six member ring forms are2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-ribofuranoside,2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-ribopyranoside,2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-glucofuranoside,2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-glucopyranoside,2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-galactofuranoside and2-acetoamido-2-deoxy-D-galactopyranoside.

(ii) N-Acetylamino acids

Another aspect of the invention pertains to compositions comprisingN-acetylamino acids and related compounds. N-acetylamino acids areN-acetyl derivatives of amino acids. In accordance with the presentinvention, the generic structure or formula of N-acetylamino acids andrelated compounds, which are typically beneficial for various cosmeticand dermatologic indications, may be represented as follows:

where R₁ is H, or an alkyl or arakyl group having 1 and 14 atoms; n isan integer, preferably from 0 to 5; is OH, NH₂ or OH₂ or OR₃; and R₃ isan alkyl, arakyl or aryl group having 1 to 9 atoms; the alkyl, aralkylor aryl group may be saturated or insaturated, isomeric atom may besubstituted by I, F, Cl, Br or alkoxyl group having 1 to 9 carbons.N-Acetylamino acids may be present as isomeric or non-isomeric, as afree acid, salt, lactone, amide or ester form.

The following are some representative N-acetylamino acids and relatedcompounds: N-acetyl-glycine, N-acetyl-alanine, N-acetyl-valine,N-acetyl-leucine, N-acetyl-isoleucine, N-acetyl-serine,N-acetyl-threonine, N-acetyl-cysteine, N-acetyl-methionine,N-acetyl-aspartic acid, N-acetyl-asparagine, N-acetyl-glutamic acid,N-acetyl-glutamine, N-acetyl-arginine, N-acetyl-lysine,N-acetyl-histidine, N-acetyl-phenylalanine, N-acetyl-tyrosine,N-acetyl-tryptophan, N-acetyl-proline, N-acetyl-,-alanine,N-acetyl-taurine, N-acetyl-r-aminobutanoic acid,N-acetyl-hydroxyproline, N-acetyl-canavanine, N-acetyl-hydroxylysine,N-acetyl-cycloserine, N-acetyl-homoarginine, N-acetyl-norleucine,N-acetyl-norvaline, N-acetyl-homoserine, N-acetyl-methylserine,N-acetyl-hydroxyvaline, N-acetyl-ethionine, N-acetyl-methoxinine,N-acetyl-β-aminoisobutanoic acid, N-acetyl-homocysteine,N-acetyl-cysteine sulfinic acid, N-acetyl-homophenylalanine,N-acetyl-homotryptophan, N-acetyl-hydroxytryptamine (N-acetylserotonin),N-acetyl-tryptamine, N-acetyl-ornithine, N-acetyl-citrulline,N-acetyl-arginosuccinic acid, N-acetyl-dopa, N-acetyl-3-iodotyrosine,N-acetyl-3,5-diiodotyrosine, N-acetyl-3,5,3′-triiodothyronine,N-acetyl-thyroxine, N-acetyl-creatine, N-acetyl-creatinine,N-acetyl-cystine and N-acetyl-homocystine.

The above N-acetylamino acids and related N-acetyl compounds may bepresent as a free acid, salt, lactone, amide or ester form. Examples ofthose compounds include N-acetyl-cysteine ammonium salt,N-acetyl-homocysteine thiolactone, N-acetyl-L-cystine methyl ester,N-acetyl-L-tryosinamide, N-acetyl-L-tryosine ethyl ester,N-acetyl-serine amide, N-acetylglycine methyl ester,N-acetylglycinamide, and N-acetyl-tryptophan methyl, ethyl, propyl orisopropyl esters.

The related N-acetyl compounds may also include dimers and oligomersformed from N-acetylamino acids with 2 to 5 monomer units. Examplesinclude N-acetylglycylglycine and its amide and esters,N-acetylglycyl-leucine its amide and esters, N-acetylglycyltryptophan,N-acetylglycylglutamic acid and its amide and esters,N-acetyltryosyl-phenylalanine and its amide and esters,N-acetylglycyl-lysine and its amide and esters, N-acetylleucyl-glycineand its amide and esters, N-acetylglycyl-glycyl-glycine and its amideand esters, N-acetylglycyl-lysyl-hydroxyproline and its amide andesters.

A preferred group N-Acetylamino acids and related compounds are thegroup of compounds represented by the generic structure or formulaabove, but excluding N-acetylcysteine and derivatives ofN-acetylcysteine. N-acetylcysteine is known to degrade under ordinarystorage conditions and result in a malodorous smell. The malodor issuggested to be caused by the release of thiol compounds and hydrogensulfide upon degradation. Because N-acetylcysteine and its derivativesare malodorous, they are less preferred for use in the presentinvention.

2. Topical Uses of N-Acetyl-aldosamines, N-Acetylamino Acids and RelatedN-Acetyl Compounds

(i) N-Acetyl-aldosamines, N-Acetylamino acids and Related N-AcetylCompounds

Compositions comprising the N-acetyl-aldosamine, N-acetylamino acid orrelated N-acetyl compounds described herein are topically beneficial forvarious cosmetic conditions and dermatologic disorders, including thoseassociated with intrinsic and/or extrinsic aging, as well as withchanges or damage caused by extrinsic factors. These compositions cancomprise one or more than one N-acetyl-aldosamine, N-acetylamino acid orrelated N-acetyl compound. In a preferred embodiment, the compositionsmay be used for skin, hair and nail changes associated with intrinsicand/or extrinsic aging, and changes or damage caused by extrinsicfactors.

With respect to age associated skin changes, the underlying bases ofthese changes is described in U.S. Patent No. 4,603,146 (Kligman). Inparticular, the underlying causes of skin changes associated with agingcan be more easily understood in view of the following summary of thechanges in the epidermis and dermis as aging progresses.

With increasing age and exposure of a human to sun and otherenvironmental traumas, cells divide at a slower rate (decreased capacityto renew themselves). They show marked irregularities in size, shape andstaining properties; orderliness (polarity) from below to above is lost.The thickness of the epidermis decreases (atrophy). The horny layerwhich comprises the barrier against water loss and penetration ofchemicals becomes abnormal due to the shedding (exfoliation) of cells inlarge group or clusters instead of as individual cells, resulting inroughness, scaling and dryness. There is loss of the orderlytransformation of living epithelial cells into cornified dead cellswhich are shed at the surface, that is, differentiation is impaired.Aberrant differentiation results in numerous foci of abnormal epithelialgrowths or tumors, the most frequent and important of which are actinickeratoses. After many years these can transform into frank skin cancerscalled basal cell and squamous cell cancers. Pigment producing cells(melanocytes) can also become altered forming flat, dark growths(lentigo melanoma) which may progress to malignant melanoms.

The cells which make the fibers of the dermis become smaller and sparserwith increasing age, usually in sun-damaged facial skin. There is agreat loss of collagen fibers resulting in looseness and easystretchability of the skin; elastic fibers become abnormal so that theskin does not promptly snap back after being stretched. Since thefibrous components comprise more than 90% of the bulk of skin of which95% is collagen, the degradation of these fibers, especially collagen,is mainly responsible for wrinkling, laxness and loss of elasticity.

Additionally, small blood vessels become thin walled, dilated and oftenruptured. Vascular supply thereby becomes compromised.

The signs of nail and hair changes associated with intrinsic aging andthe damages caused by extrinsic factors include thinning of hair andnail plate; lack of lubricants and luster, and uneven surface of hairand nails; fragility and splitting of hair and nails; and reduction offlexibility, resiliency, and elasticity of hair and nails.

The conventional management of signs of aging skin has been the use ofcosmetics, as well as medical procedures such as phenol, trichloroaceticacid, and other chemical peels, and plastic surgery, etc. Such medicalprocedures are costly and risky with serious side effects, and thetreatments alter only the cosmetic appearance of the skin, without anysignificant modifications of the underlying aging process.

Topical application to the skin, hair or nails of a composition of thepresent invention is beneficial for various cosmetic conditions anddermatologic disorders including those associated with intrinsic and/orextrinsic aging and extrinsic factors, and also including thosecharacterized by the foregoing changes to the skin, hair and nails.Exemplary indications are characterized as disturbed keratinization,defective syntheses of dermal components, and changes associated withaging of skin, nail and hair; and those indications which includedryness or loose of skin, nail and hair; xerosis; ichthyosis; palmar andplantar hyperkeratoses; uneven and rough surface of skin, nail and hair;dandruff; Darier's disease; lichen simplex chronicus; keratoses; acne;pseudofolliculitis barbae; eczema; psoriasis; itchy scalp and skin;pruritus; warts; herpes; age spots; lentigines; melasmas; blemishedskin; hyperkaratoses; hyperpigmented skin; abnormal or diminishedsyntheses of collagen, glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans and elastin aswell as diminished levels of such components in the dermis; stretchmarks; skin lines; fine lines; wrinkles; thinning of skin, nail plateand hair; skin thickening due to elastosis of photoaging, loss orreduction of skin, nail and hair resiliency, elasticity andrecoilability; lack of skin, nail and hair lubricants and luster; dulland older-looking skin, nail and hair; fragility and splitting of nailand hair; and other topical conditions and indications.

(ii) Combination Compositions

In addition, compositions comprising one or more than oneN-Acetyl-aldosamine, N-acetylamino acid and related N-acetyl compoundmay also be incorporated into a composition comprising a cosmetic,pharmaceutical or other topical agent to enhance or create synergeticeffects.

In accordance with this aspect of the invention, the compositions of thepresent invention may contain one or more N-Acetyl-aldosamine,N-acetylamino acid and related N-acetyl compounds to magnify thetherapeutic effect of an unrelated cosmetic or pharmaceutical agent. Atleast one compound selected from the group consisting ofN-Acetyl-aldosamine, N-acetylamino acid and related N-acetyl compoundsmay be incorporated into composition containing a cosmetic orpharmaceutical agent for topical treatment to improve or alleviate signsof skin, nails or hair changes associated with intrinsic aging or thedamages caused by extrinsic factors. It has been found that suchincorporation results in magnified therapeutic efficacies which are notsimply additive effects.

Most pharmaceutical drugs produce their therapeutic effects by firstinteracting with their receptors in the target tissues. Many drugreceptors are functional macromolecules such as enzymes, cell membranecomponents or certain components of cells. The binding affinity orinteracting property of a drug toward its specific receptor molecule isintimately governed by the chemical structure of the drug. Since mostpharmaceutical agents are chemically different from N-acetyl compoundsof the instant invention, the respective receptor molecule should bedifferent and so are the pharmacological actions and the therapeuticeffects. Under such conditions if N-Acetyl-aldosamine, N-acetylaminoacid and/or a related N-acetyl compound is incorporated into acomposition containing a pharmaceutical agent, one of the following twoconsequences may arise:

-   -   (a) No enhancement or any substantial changes in either effect.        In this case, the overall clinical effect would be a mixed        effect, i.e. the effect due to the pharmaceutical agent alone        mixed with the effect due to N-Acetyl-aldosamine, N-acetylamino        acid or related N-acetyl compound alone. Also in this case, the        interaction between the pharmaceutical agent and its receptor        molecule is not affected nor interfered by the presence of        N-Acetyl-aldosamine, N-acetylamino acid or related N-acetyl        compound. Nor does the N-Acetyl-aldosamine, N-acetylamino acid        or related N-acetyl compound assist in or enhance the binding        affinity or the interaction of the pharmaceutical agent toward        its receptor molecule. The clinical results from such        combination composition would be just the mixed effects.    -   (b) Amplified therapeutic action or substantial loss of        therapeutic action in either effect. In this case, the        interaction between the pharmaceutical agent and its receptor        molecule is affected either positively or negatively by the        presence of a N-Acetyl-aldosamine, N-acetylamino acid or related        N-acetyl compound. From the point of positive effect,        N-Acetyl-aldosamine, N-acetylamino acid or the related N-acetyl        compound may produce an amplified effect by either increasing        the affinity of the receptor molecule toward the pharmaceutical        agent; acting as a better and more efficient coenzyme or as an        activator by disrupting barriers and removing obstacles for        better binding of the agent toward its receptor molecule; for        example, enzyme activation by removal of natural inhibitors. In        all these cases the overall clinical results would be due to        magnified therapeutic effects which are not predictable from        either effect alone.

From the point of negative effect, a N-Acetyl-aldosamine, N-acetylaminoacid or related N-acetyl compound might interfere with or decrease thebinding affinity of the pharmaceutical agent toward its receptormolecule; i.e. acting as an competitor or inhibitor. In such case, theoverall clinical results should be due to substantial diminishment orcompletely loss of therapeutic effects, which is also unpredictable fromeither effect alone.

We have found that, in most cases, therapeutic effects of cosmetic andpharmaceutical agents are amplified when a N-acetyl-aldosamine,N-acetylamino acid or related N-acetyl compound is incorporated into thecomposition, i.e., consequence (b) above is observed.

The cosmetic and pharmaceutical agents which may be actuated byN-acetyl-aldosamine, N-acetylamino acid or a related N-acetyl compoundinclude those that improve or eradicate age spots, keratoses andwrinkles; local analgesics and anesthetics; antiacne agents;antibacterials; antiyeast agents; antifingal agents; antiviral agents;antidandruff agents; antidermatitis agents; antihistamine agents;antipruritic agents; antiemetics; antimotion sickness agents;antiinflammatory agents; antihyperkeratotic agents; antiperspirants;antipsoriatic agents; antiseborrheic agents; hair conditioners and hairtreatment agents; antiaging and antiwrinkle agents; sunblock andsunscreen agents; skin lightening agents; depigmenting agents; vitamins;corticosteroids; tanning agents; hormones, retinoids; and otherdermatologicals.

Some examples of cosmetic and pharmaceutical agents are clotrimazole,ketoconazole, miconazole, griseofulvin, econazole, metronidazole,hydroxyzine, diphenhydramine, pramoxine, lidocaine, procaine,mepivacaine, monobenzone, erythromycin, tetracycline, clindamycin,meclocycline, hydroquinone, hydroquinone monoether, minocycline,naproxen, ibuprofen, theophylline, cromolyn, albuterol, retinol, retinylacetate, retinyl palmitate, retinal, retinoic acid, 13-cis retinoicacid, hydrocortisone, hydrocortisone 21-acetate, hydrocortisone17-valerate, hydrocortisone 17-butyrate, betamethasone valerate,betamethasone dipropionate, triamcinolone acetonide, fluocinonide,clobetasol, propionate, benzoyl peroxide, kojic acid, crotamiton,propranolol, promethazine, salicylic acid, vitamin E and vitamin Eacetate.

Another example of cosmetic or other agents that may be combined withone or more N-acetyl-aldosamines, N-acetylamino acids or relatedN-acetyl compounds include hydroxyacids, ketoacids and relatedcompounds. Examples of hydroxy acids include hydroxymonocarboxylicacids, hydroxydicarboxylic acids, 2-hydroxycarboxylic acids, otherhydroxycarboxylic, 2-ketocarboxylic acids acids and related compounds.See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,422,370, 5,547,988, 5,470,880, and5,385,938. The hydroxy acids may exist as a free acid, an ester, alactone, in salt form with an organic base or an inorganic alkali, andas stereoisomers. Representative examples of hydroxy acids and relatedcompounds include glycolic acid, mandelic acid, lactic acid, tropicacid, methyllactic acid, lactobionic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid,glucuronic acid, ribonic acid, gluconolactone, ribonolactone, glycolylglycollate, lactyl lactate, trilactic acid and polylactic acid.

Yet another example of cosmetic or other agents that may be combinedwith one or more N-acetyl-aldosamines, N-acetylamino acids or relatedN-acetyl compounds include phenyl alpha acyloxyalkanoic acids andderivatives thereof. These compounds may exist in a free acid, lactoneor salt form, or as stereoisomers. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos.5,258,391 and 5,643,949. Representative example of such compoundsinclude diphenyl alpha acetoxyacetic acid, phenyl alpha acetoxyaceticacid, phenyl alpha methyl alpha acetoxyacetic acid, phenyl alphaacetoxypropanoic acid, and 2-phenyl beta acetoxypropanoic acid.

3. General Preparation of the Cosmetic and Therapeutic Compositions

Compositions comprising N-acetyl-aldosamine, N-acetylamino acid orrelated N-acetyl compounds of the instant invention may be formulated assolution, gel, lotion, cream, ointment, shampoo, spray, stick, powder,masque or other form topically acceptable for use on skin, nail andhair.

To prepare a solution composition, at least one N-acetyl compound of theinstant invention is dissolved in a solution prepared from water,ethanol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, diisopropyl adipate and/orother topically acceptable vehicle. The concentration of a singleN-acetyl compound or the total concentration of all N-acetyl compounds,where the composition comprises more than one N-acetyl compound, mayrange from 0.01 to 99.9% by weight of the total composition, withpreferred concentration of from 0.1 to 50% by weight of the totalcomposition and with more preferred concentration of from 0.5 to 25% byweight of the total composition. Contemplated embodiments of the instantinvention include ranges of 0.1% to 0.2%, 0.2% to 0.3%, 0.3% to 0.4%,0.4% to 0.5%, 0.5% to 0.6%, 0.6% to 0.7%, 0.7% to 0.8%, 0.8% to 0.9%,0.9% to 1%, 1% to 2%, 2% to 3%, 3% to 4%, 4% to 5%, 5% to 6%, 6% to 7%,7% to 8%, 8% to 9%, 9% to 10%, 10% to 14%, 14% to 18%, 18% to 22%, 22%to 26%, 26% to 30%, 30% to 35%, 35% to 40%, 40% to 45%, 45% to 50%, 50%to 60%, 60% to 70%, 70% to 80%, 80%n to 90%, and 90% to 99.9% by weightof the total composition.

To prepare a topical composition in lotion, cream or ointment form, theN-acetyl compound is first dissolved in water, ethanol, propyleneglycol, diisopropyl adipate and/or another vehicle, and the solutionthus obtained is mixed with a desired base or pharmaceuticallyacceptable vehicle to make lotion, cream or ointment. Concentrations ofthe N-acetyl compound are the same as described above for the solutionform.

A topical composition of the instant invention may also be formulated ina gel or shampoo form. A typical gel composition is formulated by theaddition of a gelling agent such as chitosan, methyl cellulose, ethylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, polyquaterniums, hydroxyethylcellulose,hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, carbomer orammoniated glycyrrhizinate to a solution comprising the N-acetylcompound. The preferred concentration of the gelling agent may rangefrom 0.1 to 4 percent by weight of the total composition. In thepreparation of shampoo, the N-acetyl compound is first dissolved inwater or propylene glycol, and the solution thus obtained is mixed witha shampoo base. Concentrations of the N-acetyl compound used in gel orshampoo form are the same as described above.

To prepare a combination composition for synergetic effects, a cosmetic,pharmaceutical or other topical agent is incorporated into any one ofthe above compositions by dissolving or mixing the agent into theformulation.

Other forms of compositions for topical delivery of N-acetyl compound ofthe instant invention are readily prepared or formulated by thoseskilled in the art.

The following are illustrative examples of formulations according tothis invention. Although the examples utilize only selected compoundsand formulations, it should be understood that the following examplesare illustrative and not limiting. Therefore, any of the aforementionedN-acetyl compounds may be substituted according to the teachings of thisinvention in the following examples.

EXAMPLE 1

A typical N-acetyl-aldosamine, N-acetylamino acid or the related acetylcompound in a cream composition may be formulated as follows.N-Acetyl-α-D-glucosamine 10 g was dissolved in 30 ml warm water, and thesolution thus obtained was mixed uniformly with 60 g cream base orcommercially available hydrophilic ointment. The white cream thusformulated contained 10% N-acetyl-glucosamine. N-Acetyl-glucosamine 1%or 5% cream was formulated in the same manner except thatN-acetyl-α-D-glucosamine 1 g or 5 g was used, and was dissolved in 39 mlor 35 ml water.

EXAMPLE 2

N-Acetyl-D-mannosamine 1 g was dissolved in 20 ml warm water, and thesolution thus obtained was mixed uniformly with 79 g cream base orcommercially available hydrophilic ointment. The white cream thusformulated contained 1% N-acetyl-mannosamine.

EXAMPLE 3

N-Acetyl-L-glutamine 0.5 g was dissolved in 20 ml water, and thesolution thus obtained was mixed uniformly with 79.5 g cream base orcommercially available hydrophilic ointment. The white cream thusformulated contained 0.5% N-acetyl-L-glutamine.

EXAMPLE 4

N-Acetyl-DL-proline 2 g was dissolved in 20 ml warm water, and thesolution thus obtained was mixed uniformly with 78 g cream base orcommercially available hydrophilic ointment. The white cream thusformulated contained 2% N-acetyl-proline.

EXAMPLE 5

N-Acetyl-glycine 3 g was dissolved in 20 ml water, and the solution thusobtained was mixed uniformly with 77 g cream base or commerciallyavailable hydrophilic ointment. The white cream thus formulatedcontained 3% N-acetyl-glycine.

EXAMPLE 6

N-Acetyl-L-arginine 4 g was dissolved in 20 ml water, and the solutionthus obtained was mixed uniformly with 76 g cream base or commerciallyavailable hydrophilic ointment. The white cream thus formulatedcontained 4% N-acetyl-arginine.

EXAMPLE 7

A typical N-acetyl-aldosamine, N-acetylamino acid or related N-acetylcompound in a solution composition may be formulated as follows.N-acetyl-α-D-glucosamine 0.5 g was dissolved in 99.5 ml solutionprepared from water 40 ml, ethanol 40 ml and propylene glycol 20 ml. Thecomposition thus prepared contained 0.5% N-acetyl-glucosamine.N-Acetyl-glucosamine 5% in solution form was formulated in the samemanner except that 5 g instead of 0.5 g active ingredient was dissolvedin 95 ml solution.

EXAMPLE 8

N-Acetyl-D-galactosamine 1 g was dissolved in 99 ml solution preparedfrom water 40 ml, ethanol 40 ml and propylene glycol 20 ml. Thecomposition thus prepared contained 1% N-acetyl-galactosamine.

EXAMPLE 9

N-Acetyl-L-tyrosinamide 2 g was dissolved in 98 ml solution preparedfrom water 40 ml, ethanol 40 ml and propylene glycol 20 ml. Thecomposition thus prepared contained 2% N-acetyl-tyrosinamide.

EXAMPLE 10

N-Acetyl-L-lysine 0.5 g was dissolved in 99.5 ml solution prepared fromwater 40 ml, ethanol 40 ml and propylene glycol 20 ml. The compositionthus prepared contained 0.5% N-acetyl-lysine.

EXAMPLE 11

N-Acetyl-L-tyrosine 0.2 g was dissolved in 99.8 ml solution preparedfrom water 40 ml, ethanol 40 ml and propylene glycol 20 ml. Thecomposition thus prepared contained 0.2% N-acetyl-tyrosine.

EXAMPLE 12

N-Acetyl-L-cysteine methyl ester 0.5 g was dissolved in 99.5 ml solutionprepared from water 40 ml, ethanol 40 l and propylene glycol 20 ml. Thecomposition thus prepared contained 0.5% N-acetyl-cysteine methyl ester.

EXAMPLE 13

N-Acetyl-L-tyrosine ethyl ester 3 g was dissolved in 97 ml solutionprepared from ethanol 80 ml and propylene glycol 20 ml. The compositionthus prepared contained 3% N-acetyl-tyrosine ethyl ester.

EXAMPLE 14

N-acetyl-L-cysteine 2 g was dissolved in 98 ml solution prepared fromwater 80 ml and propylene glycol 20 ml. The composition thus preparedcontained 2% N-acetyl-cysteine.

EXAMPLE 15

A typical combination composition comprising for example N-acetyaminoacid ester and hydrocortisone 17-valerate for eczema and otherinflammatory dermatoses may be formulated as follows.

N-Acetyl-L-tyrosine ethyl ester 3 g and hydrocortisone 17-valerate 0.4 gwere dissolved in 20 ml warm propylene glycol, and the solution thusobtained was mixed uniformly with 76.6 g cream base or commerciallyavailable hydrophilic ointment. The white cream thus formulated had pH5.1, and contained 3% N-acetyl-L-tyrosine ethyl ester and 0.4%hydrocortisone 17-valerate.

EXAMPLE 16

A typical combination composition comprising for exampleN-acetylaldosamine and an anti-itch agent may be formulated as follows.

N-Acetyl-α-D-glucosamine 2 g was dissolved in 10 ml water and thesolution was mixed with diphenhydramine 2 g in 4 ml water containing 2 ggluconolactone. The above solution was mixed uniformly with 80 g creambase or commercially available hydrophilic ointment. The compositionwith pH 5.1 contained 2% N-acetyl-D-glucosamine and 2% diphenhydramine.

A male subject, age 66, having an itchy lesion of lichen simplexchronicus on his right lower leg topically applied the above cream tothe lesion. A few minutes after the topical application, the itchdisappeared completely and the skin remained free of itch for thefollowing 12 hours.

4. Application and Treatment Using N-Acetyl-Aldosamines, N-Acetylaminoacids and Related N-Acetyl Compounds

The N-acetyl aldosamines, N-acetylamino acids and related N-acetylcompositions of the present invention may be applied to any area of theskin, hair, or nails. Exemplary areas of application include the hands,arms, neck, legs, feet, trunk, hair shaft, nails, including the nailplate and nail cuticle, and on and around the face. Exemplary areas offacial application include the nose, forehead, and areas around theeyes. The compositions may be applied with or without occlusion. Anysuitable occlusive device may be used. In addition, it is within theknowledge of the skilled artisan how best to apply such occlusivedevices to achieve the desired result.

The compositions of the present invention may be applied to these areaswith varying frequency and for varying duration. In this regard, theskilled artisan will appreciate how to alter the frequency and durationof application to achieve the desired effect. For example, thecompositions of the instant invention can be applied at varyingfrequencies including on a daily basis, 1 or more times daily, or 1 ormore times weekly. When being applied on a daily basis, the instantinvention can be applied 1, 2, 3 or more times a day. When being appliedon a weekly basis the instant invention can be applied 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or more times a week. The duration of treatment withthe compositions of the instant invention can also vary. For example,the compositions may be applied for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more weeks; orfor 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more months. The duration of treatment may alsobe continuous. Again, the skilled artisan will appreciate theinteraction between frequency and duration of use in order to achieveand/or maintain the desired effect.

In addition, the skilled artisan will appreciate how to varyconcentrations of the instant invention in conjunction with thefrequency and duration of use to achieve the desired effect. Forexample, a compositions of higher concentration might be applied withless frequency or for a shorter duration. In contrast, a composition ofa lower concentration might be applied more frequently or for a longerduration.

Test Results A Method of Measurement

In one of the studies related to skin changes associated with aging,skin thickness was measured by micrometer calipers as follows: The skinwas grasped with a 2×6 cm metal hinge, the internal faces of the hingewere coated with emery cloth to prevent slippage, and manually squeezedto threshold subject discomfort. Combined thickness of two whole-skinlayers including thickness of the two hinge leaves was measured withmicrometer calipers. Thickness of the two hinge leaves was subtracted todetermine the actual thickness of two whole-skin layers. Triplicatemeasurements on treated site were done and an average number was usedfor calculation of the skin thickness.

1. Xerosis and Dry Skin

A male subject, age 66, who had xerosis and dry skin on lower legstopically applied twice daily 5% N-acetyl-glucosamine cream for oneweek. After a few days of topical treatment, the skin became less roughand scaly, and felt smooth. The dry skin returned to normal-looking skinafter one week of topical application. This result indicated thatN-acetyl-glucosamine was therapeutically effective for topical treatmentof xerosis and dry skin.

2. Acne

A female subject, age 27, who had adolescent acne with multiple papulesand pustules on her face applied topically twice daily 5%N-acetyl-glucosamine solution. After a few days of treatment, mostlesions became less inflamed and gradually eradicated. This resultindicated that N-acetyl-glucosamine was therapeutically effective fortopical treatment of acne.

3. Effect of an N-acetyl Compound on Skin

In order to determine biological effects of a topically applied N-acetylcompound of the instant invention, seven women and one man of agesranging from 58 to 81 years participated in this study. Topicalformulation for the study was N-acetyl-L-cysteine 2% in a solutionprepared from water 80 ml and propylene glycol 20 ml.

Test sites were 1 cm square sites on extensor surface of forearm, 5 cmfrom the antecubital crease, a grid pattern formed by Hayes TestChambers on Hayes adhesive strips. Each test chamber, 1 cm square,contained a square piece of filter paper which was fully moistened with0.033 ml test solution.

Test chambers were impressed on the skin to leave outlines which weremarked with Sanford Sharpie permanent marker. Sites were re-marked ateach successive application of test solutions. Vehicle control siteswere on the opposite forearm. Filter paper of each chamber was saturatedwith 0.033 ml solution and chambers were fixed in place with the Hayesadhesive tape that held the test and vehicle chambers. Chambers wereremoved twice weekly, and replaced with a new adhesive strip of chamberswith filter paper moistened with test or vehicle solutions. The test wascarried out for five weeks. Punch biopsy specimens, 3 mm or 4 mm indiameter, were secured at the end of the study, and specimens wereprocessed and analyzed. Measurements of several tissue characteristicswere also made.

Punch biopsy specimens obtained from test and control sites were placedimmediately into the fixative, and processed for histochemical staining.

Epidermal thickness was measured with Micro Image Analysis System, andthe mean thickness was expressed as area of epidermis/horizontal length.The thickness of papillary dermis (upper dermis) was also measured.

All the skin sites treated with N-acetyl-cysteine showed an average of96% increase in thickness of epidermis over the control. In addition,all the test sites showed 47-227% increase in production of hyaluronicacid in papillary dermis over the control.

The above results indicated that N-acetyl compounds of the instantinvention would be topically beneficial for treatment of variouscosmetic or dermatologic indications including wrinkles and changes ofskin, nail and hair associated with intrinsic and extrinsic aging.

4. Effect of N-Acetyl-Glucosamine on Skin

A female subject, age 74, applied topically twice daily 10%N-acetyl-glucosamine cream to her right forearm for three weeks. Afterthree weeks her untreated left forearm was still loose, relatively thinand wrinkled when lifted. In contrast, her right forearm was more firm,smooth, plump and minimally wrinkled when lifted. While there was nochange in skin thickness of her left forearm, her right forearm hadincreased 37% in skin thickness as measured by the micrometer calipers.This result indicated that N-acetyl-glucosamine would be therapeuticallyeffective for topical treatment of wrinkles and changes of skin, nail orhair associated with aging.

5. Effect of N-Acetyl-DL-Homocysteine Thiolactone on Skin

A male subject, age 76, applied topically twice daily 5%N-acetyl-DL-homocysteine thiolactone cream to his right forearm forthree weeks. After three weeks his untreated left forearm was stillloose, relatively thin and wrinkled when lifted. In contrast, his rightforearm was more firm, smooth, plump and minimally wrinkled when lifted.While there was no change in skin thickness of his left forearm, hisright forearm had increased 89% in skin thickness as measured by themicrometer calipers. This result indicated that N-acetyl-homocysteinethiolactone would be therapeutically effective for topical treatment ofwrinkles and changes of skin, nail or hair associated with aging.

6. Effect of N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine on Skin

A female subject, age 71, applied topically twice daily 5%N-acetyl-L-cysteine cream to her right forearm for three weeks. Afterthree weeks her untreated left forearm was still loose, relatively thinand wrinkled when lifted. In contrast, her right forearm was more firm,smooth, plump and minimally wrinkled when lifted. While there was nochange in skin thickness of her left forearm, her right forearm hadincreased 14% in skin thickness as measured by the micrometer calipers.This result indicated that N-acetyl-cysteine would be therapeuticallyeffective for topical treatment of wrinkles and changes of skin, nailsor hair associated with aging.

7. Effect of N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine Methyl Ester on Skin

A female subject, age 59, applied topically twice daily 5%N-acetyl-L-cysteine methyl ester cream to her right forearm for threeweeks. After three weeks her untreated left forearm was still loose,relatively thin and wrinkled when lifted. In contrast, her right forearmwas more firm, smooth, plump and minimally wrinkled when lifted. Whilethere was no change in skin thickness of her left forearm, her rightforearm had increased 13% in skin thickness as measured by themicrometer calipers. This result indicated that N-acetyl-cysteine methylester would be therapeutically effective for topical treatment ofwrinkles and changes of skin, nails or hair associated with aging.

8. Effect of N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine Methyl Ester on Skin

A female subject, age 72, applied topically twice daily 10%N-acetyl-L-cysteine methyl ester cream to her left forearm for threeweeks. After three weeks her untreated right forearm was still loose,relatively thin and wrinkled when lifted. In contrast, her left forearmwas more firm, smooth, plump and minimally wrinkled when lifted. Whilethere was no change in skin thickness of her right forearm, her leftforearm had increased 26% in skin thickness as measured by themicrometer calipers. This result indicated that N-acetyl-L-cystinemethylester would be therapeutically effective for topical treatment ofwrinkles and changes of skin, nail or hair associated with aging.

9. Effect of N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine Methyl Ester on Skin

A male subject, age 76, applied topically twice daily 5%N-acetyl-L-cysteine methyl ester cream to his left forearm for threeweeks. After three weeks his untreated right forearm was still loose,relatively thin and wrinkled when lifted. In contrast, his left forearmwas more firm, smooth, plump and minimally wrinkled when lifted. Whilethere was no change in skin thickness of his right forearm, his leftforearm had increased 87% in skin thickness as measured by themicrometer calipers. This result indicated that N-acetyl-cysteine methylester would be therapeutically effective for topical treatment ofwrinkles and changes of skin, nail or hair associated with aging.

10. Effect of N-Acetyl-DL-Homocysteine Thiolactone on Skin

A female subject, age 59, applied topically twice daily 5%N-acetyl-DL-homocysteine thiolactone cream to her left forearm for threeweeks. After three weeks her untreated right forearm was still loose,relatively thin and wrinkled when lifted. In contrast, her left forearmwas more firm, smooth, plump and minimally wrinkled when lifted. Whilethere was no change in skin thickness of her right forearm, her leftforearm had increased 21% in skin thickness as measured by themicrometer calipers. This result indicated that N-acetyl-homocysteinethiolactone would be therapeutically effective for topical treatment ofwrinkles and changes of skin, nail or hair associated with aging.

11. Effect of N-Acetyl-DL-Tryptophan on Skin

A female subject, age 71, applied topically twice daily 10%N-acetyl-DL-tryptophan cream to her left forearm for three weeks. Afterthree weeks her untreated right forearm was still loose, relatively thinand wrinkled when lifted. In contrast, her left forearm was more firm,smooth, plump and minimally wrinkled when lifted. While there was nochange in skin thickness of her right forearm, her left forearm hadincreased 11% in skin thickness as measured by the micrometer calipers.This result indicated that N-acetyl-tryptophan would be therapeuticallyeffective for topical treatment of wrinkles and changes of skin, nail orhair associated with aging.

12. Effect of N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine Ethyl Ester on Skin

A female subject, age 47, applied topically twice daily 10%N-acetyl-L-tyrosine ethyl ester cream to her left forearm for fourweeks. After four weeks her untreated right forearm was still loose,relatively thin and wrinkled when lifted. In contrast, her left forearmwas more firm, smooth, plump and minimally wrinkled when lifted. Whilethere was no change in skin thickness of her right forearm, her leftforearm had increased 11% in skin thickness as measured by themicrometer calipers. This result indicated that N-acetyl-L-tyrosineethyl ester would be therapeutically effective for topical treatment ofwrinkles and changes of skin, nail or hair associated with aging.

13. Effect of N-Acetyl-DL-Tryptophan on Skin

A female subject, age 56, applied topically twice daily 10%N-acetyl-DL-tryptophan cream to her right forearm for three weeks. Afterthree weeks her untreated left forearm was still loose, relatively thinand wrinkled when lifted. In contrast, her right forearm was more firm,smooth, plump and minimally wrinkled when lifted. While there was nochange in skin thickness of her left forearm, her right forearm hadincreased 21% in skin thickness as measured by the micrometer calipers.This result indicated that N-acetyl-tryptophan would be therapeuticallyeffective for topical treatment of wrinkles and changes of skin, nail orhair associated with aging.

14. Effect of N-Acetyl-L-Arginine on Skin

A female subject, age 47, applied topically twice daily 10%N-acetyl-L-arginine cream to her right forearm for four weeks. Afterfour weeks her untreated left forearm was still loose, relatively thinand wrinkled when lifted. In contrast, her right forearm was more firm,smooth, plump and minimally wrinkled when lifted. When there was nochange in skin thickness of her left forearm, her right forearm hadincreased 32% in skin thickness as measured by the micrometer calipers.This result indicated that N-acetyl-L-arginine would be therapeuticallyeffective for topical treatment of wrinkles and changes of skin, nail orhair associated with aging.

15. Effect of N-Acetyl-DL-Tryptophan on Skin

A female subject, age 66, applied topically twice daily 10%N-acetyl-DL-tryptophan cream to her left forearm for five weeks. Afterfive weeks her untreated right forearm was still loose, relatively thinand wrinkled when lifted. In contrast, her left forearm was more firm,smooth, plump and minimally wrinkled when lifted. While there was nochange in skin thickness of her right forearm, her left forearm hadincreased 12% in skin thickness as measured by the micrometer calipers.This result indicated that N-acetyl-tryptophan would be therapeuticallyeffective for topical treatment of wrinkles and changes of skin, nail orhair associated with aging.

16. Effect of N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine Ethyl Ester on Skin

A female subject, age 72, applied topically twice daily 10%N-acetyl-L-tyrosine ethyl ester cream to her right forearm for fourweeks. After four weeks her untreated left forearm was still loose,relatively thin and wrinkled when lifted. In contrast, her right forearmwas more firm, smooth, plump and minimally wrinkled when lifted. Whilethere was no change in skin thickness of her left forearm, her rightforearm had increased 34% in skin thickness as measured by themicrometer calipers. This result indicated that N-acetyl-tyrosine ethylester would be therapeutically effective for topical treatment ofwrinkles and changes of skin, nail or hair associated with aging.

17. Effect of N-Acetyl-L-Arginine on Skin

A female subject, age 72, applied topically twice daily 10%N-acetyl-L-arginine cream to her left forearm for four weeks. After fourweeks her untreated right forearm was still loose, relatively thin andwrinkled when lifted. In contrast, her left forearm was more firm,smooth, plump and minimally wrinkled when lifted. While there was nochange in skin thickness of her right forearm, her left forearm hadincreased 22% in skin thickness as measured by the micrometer calipers.This result indicated that N-acetyl-arginine would be therapeuticallyeffective for topical treatment of wrinkles and changes of skin, nail orhair associated with aging.

18. Effect of Combination Composition on Skin

A female subject, age 72, applied topically twice daily a combinationcream formulated from 10% each of N-acetyl-α-D-glucosamine andgluconolactone to her right forearm for three weeks. After three weeksher untreated left forearm was still loose, relatively thin and wrinkledwhen lifted. In contrast, her right forearm was more firm, smooth, plumpand minimally wrinkled when lifted. While there was no change in skinthickness of her left forearm, her right forearm had increased 118% inskin thickness as measured by the micrometer calipers. This resultindicated that N-acetyl-glucosamine in combination with other topicalagents would be topically effective for various cosmetic anddermatologic indications including wrinkles and changes of skin, nailand hair associated with intrinsic and extrinsic aging.

19. Effect of N-Acetylamino Acid On the Scalp

A typical composition suitable for topical use on hair, scalp, nail andskin comprising for example N-acetylamino acid may be formulated asfollows. N-Acetyl-DL-proline 2 g was dissolved in 98 ml solutionprepared from water 40 ml, ethanol 40 ml and propylene glycol 20 ml. Thecomposition with pH 2.7 contained 2% N-acetyl-DL-proline. A malesubject, age 66, having itchy scalp topically applied the abovecomposition to itchy area of scalp. A few minutes after the topicalapplication, scalp itch disappeared completely and the scalp remainedfree of itch for the next 24 hours.

20. Effect of Combination Composition (Anti-Fungal Agent) on Nail orScalp

A typical composition comprising for example N-acetylamino acid incombination with an anti-fungal agent for nail or scalp infections maybe formulated as follows. N-Acetylglycine 2 g was dissolved in 98 mlsolution prepared from water 40 ml, ethanol 40 ml and propylene glycol20 ml. The composition thus prepared contained 2% N-acetylglycine, andwas used as a nail or scalp conditioner. For nail or scalp infections,N-acetylglycine 2 g and clotrirazole 2 g were dissolved in 96 mlsolution prepared from water 40 ml, ethanol 40 ml and propylene glycol20 ml. The composition with pH 3.7 contained 2% N-acetylglycine and 2%clotrimazole, and were topically effective for nail or scalp infections.

21. N-Acetylamino Shampoo Composition

A typical shampoo composition comprising for example N-acetylamino acidfor hair, scalp or body wash may be formulated as follows.N-Acetyl-L-arginine 4 g was dissolved in 20 ml water, and the solutionthus obtained was mixed uniformly with 76 g shampoo base. The shampoocomposition with pH 6.6 contained 4% N-acetyl-L-arginine

22. Effect N-Acetyl-L-Lysine on an Oily Scalp

N-Acetyl-L-lysine 2 g was dissolved in a 98 ml solution prepared fromwater 40 ml, ethanol 40 ml and propylene glycol 20 ml. The compositionwith pH 6.5 contained 2% N-acetyl-L-lysine. A male subject, age 66,having an oily and pruritic scalp topically applied the abovecomposition to the affected area of the scalp, and the area was driedwith warm air to remove excess solvents. A few minutes after the topicalapplication, the scalp itch disappeared completely and the scalpremained free of itch the next 12 hours.

23. Effect of N-Acetyl-DL-Proline on Pruritus

A male subject, age 77, with chronic Grover's Disease (AcantholyticDermatosis) for approximately one year duration had complained aboutexcruciating pruritus on skin lesions of inflammatory papules which didnot respond well to conventional topical anti-inflammatory agents. Thesubject topically applied N-acetyl-DL-proline 5% in oil-in-water creamto the itchy lesions. A few minutes after the topical application, thesevere itch disappeared completely and the lesions remained free of itchfor the next 12 hours.

24. Effect of N-Acetyl-D-Galactosamine on Urticaria

A female subject, age 72, having acute urticaria due to unknown causedid not respond to conventional logical anti-itch medications. Thesubject topically applied N-acetyl-D-galactosamine 5% in solution toskin areas of the urticarial lesions. A few minutes after the topicalapplication, the severe itch disappeared completely and the skinremained free of itch for the next 24 hours with concomitantdisappearance of urticarial lesions.

25. Effect of N-Acetyl-DL-Proline on Itchy Skin and Dry Skin Lesions

A female subject, age 86, with chronic nummular eczema and pruritic dryskin topically applied N-acetyl-DL-proline 5% in solution to itchy skinareas of eczema and dry skin lesions. A few minutes after the topicalapplication, the itch disappeared completely and the lesions remainedfree of itch for the next 48 hours.

26. Effect of N-Acetyl-DL-Proline on Itchy Skin

A male subject, age 76, having axillary itch due to use of aconventional anti-perspirant topically applied N-acetyl-DL-proline 5% insolution to itchy underarm skin areas. Within a few minutes after thetopical application, the itch disappeared completely and the skinremained free of itch for the next five days.

27. Effect of N-Acetyl-L-Glutamine on Pruritus

A male subject, age 77, with chronic Grover's Disease (AcantholyticDermatosis) for approximately one year duration had complained aboutexruciating pruritus on skin lesions of inflammatory papules which didnot respond well to conventional topical anti-inflammatory agents. Thesubject topically applied N-acetyl-L-glutamine 5% in a solution preparedfrom water 4 parts, ethanol 4 parts and propylene glycol 2 parts byvolume. A few minutes after the topical application, the severe itchdisappeared completely and the lesions remained free of itch for thenext 24 hours.

28. Effect of N-Acetyl-α-D-Glucosamine on Pruritus

A male subject, age 77, with chronic Grover's Disease (AncantholyticDermatosis) for approximately one year duration had complained aboutexcruciating pruritus on skin lesions of inflammatory papules which didnot respond well to conventional topical anti-inflammatory agents. Thesubject topically applied N-acetyl-α-D-glucosamine 5% in a solutionprepared from water 4 parts, ethanol 4 parts and propylene glycol 2parts by volume. A few minutes after the topical application, the severeitch disappeared completely and the lesions remained free of itch forthe next 24 hours.

The invention described herein may be embodied in other specific formswithout departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof.The specific embodiments previously described are therefore to beconsidered as illustrative of, and not limiting, the scope of theinvention. Additionally, the disclosure of all publications cited aboveare expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entireties tothe same extent as if each were incorporated by reference individually.

1. A composition comprising (A) a pharmaceutically acceptable vehiclefor topical treatment of cosmetic conditions or dermatological disordersand (B) a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compoundselected from the group consisting of N-acetyl aldosamines andN-acetylamino acids, wherein the N-acetyl aldosamine is selected fromthe group consisting of N-acetyl-glycerosamine, N-acetyl-erythrosamine,N-acetyl-threosamine, N-acetyl-ribosamine, N-acetyl-arabinosamine,N-acetyl-xylosamine, N-acetyl-lyxosamine, N-acetyl-allosamine,N-acetyl-altrosamine, N-acetyl-gulosamine, N-acetyl-idosamine,N-acetyl-talosamine, N-acetyl-glucoheptosamine,N-acetyl-galactoheptosamine, N-acetyl-mannaheptosamine,N-acetyllactosamine, N-acetylmuramic acid, N-acetylneuramine,N-acetylneuramin lactose, N-acetyl-glyceraminic acid,N-acetyl-erythrosaminic acid, N-acetyl-threosaminic acid,N-acetyl-ribosaminic acid, N-acetyl-arbinosaminic acid,N-acetyl-xylosaminic acid, N-acetyl-lyxosaminic acid,N-acetyl-allosaminic acid, N-acetyl-altrosaminic acid,N-acetyl-glucosaminic acid, N-acetyl-mannosaminic acid,N-acetyl-gulosaminic acid, N-acetyl-idosaminic acid,N-acetyl-galactosaminic acid, N-acetyl-talosaminic acid,N-acetyl-hepotoglucosaminic acid, N-acetyl-heptogalactosaminic acid,N-acetyl-heptomannosaminic acid, N-acetyl-neuraminic acid, and isomericor nonisomeric, free acid, salt, lactone, amide, and ester formsthereof; and wherein the N-acetylamino acid is selected from the groupconsisting of N-acetyl-phenylalanine, N-acetyl-arginine,N-acetyl-lysine, N-acetyl-tryptophan, N-acetyl-glycine,N-acetyl-alanine, N-acetyl-valine, N-acetyl-leucine,N-acetyl-isoleucine, N-acetyl-threonine, N-acetyl-aspartic acid,N-acetyl-proline, N-acetyl-asparagine, N-acetyl-histidine,N-acetyl-β-alanine, N-acetyl-taurine, N-acetyl-r-aminobutanoic acid,N-acetyl-hydroxyproline, N-acetyl-canavanine, N-acetyl-hydroxylysine,N-acetyl-cycloserine, N-acetyl-homoarginine, N-acetyl-norleucine,N-acetyl-norvaline, N-acetyl-homoserine, N-acetyl-methylserine,N-acetyl-hydroxyvaline, N-acetyl-ethionine, N-acetyl-methoxinine,N-acetyl-β-aminoisobutanoic acid, N-acetyl-homocysteine,N-acetyl-cysteine sulfinic acid, N-acetyl-homophenylalanine,N-acetyl-homotryptophan, N-acetyl-5-hydroxytroptamine(N-acetylserotonin), N-acetyltryptamine, N-acetyl-ornithine,N-acetyl-citrulline, N-acetyl-argininocuccinic acid, N-acetyl-dopa,N-acetyl-3-idotyrosine N-acetyl-3,5-diiodotyrosine,N-acetyl-3,5,3′-triiodothyronine, N-acetyl-thyroxine, N-acetyl-creatine,N-acetyl-creatinine, N-acetyl-cystine, N-acetyl-homocystine, isomeric ornonisomeric, free acid, salt, lactone, amide, and ester forms thereof,and N-acetyl-glutamic acid and isomeric or nonisomeric, free acid,lactone, amide, and ester forms thereof.
 2. The composition of claim 1,wherein the cosmetic conditions and dermatological disorders areselected from the group consisting of disturbed keratinization,defective syntheses of dermal components, and changes associated withaging of skin, nail, and hair, conditions and disorders which includedryness of or looseness of skin, nail, and hair, xerosis, ichthyosis,palmar hyperkeratoses, plantar hyperkeratoses, uneven and rough surfacesof skin, nail, and hair, dandruff, Darier's disease, lichen simplexchronicus, keratoses, acne, pseudofolliculitis barbae, eczema,psoriasis, pruritus, warts, herpes, age spots, lentigines, melasmas,blemished skin, hyperkeratoses, hyperpigmented skin, abnormal ordiminished syntheses of collagen, glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, andelastin as well as diminished levels of such components in the dermis,stretch marks, skin lines, fine lines, wrinkles, thinning of skin, nailplate, and hair, skin thickening due to elastosis of photoaging, loss orreduction of skin, nail and hair resiliency, elasticity andrecoilability, lack of skin, nail and hair lubricants and luster, dulland older-looking skin, nails and hair, and fragility and splitting ofnails and hair.
 3. A method for treating cosmetic conditions anddermatological disorders comprising topically applying a composition,the composition comprising (A) a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle fortopical treatment of cosmetic conditions or dermatological disorders and(B) a therapeutically effective amount of composition comprising atleast one compound selected from the group consisting ofN-acetyl-aldosamines and N-acetylamino acids, wherein the N-acetylaldosamine is selected from the group consisting ofN-acetyl-glycerosamine, N-acetyl-erythrosamine, N-acetyl-threosamine,N-acetyl-ribosamine, N-acetyl-arabinosamine, N-acetyl-xylosamine,N-acetyl-lyxosamine, N-acetyl-allosamine, N-acetyl-altrosamine,N-acetyl-mannosamine, N-acetyl-gulosamine, N-acetyl-idosamine,N-acetyl-talosamine, N-acetyl-glucoheptosamine,N-acetyl-galactoheptosamine, N-acetyl-mannaheptosamine,N-acetyllactosamine, N-acetylmuramic acid, N-acetylneuramine,N-acetylneuramin lactose, N-acetyl-glyceraminic acid,N-acetyl-erythrosaminic acid, N-acetyl-threosaminic acid,N-acetyl-ribosaminic acid, N-acetyl-arbinosaminic acid,N-acetyl-xylosaminic acid, N-acetyl-lyxosaminic acid,N-acetyl-allosaminic acid, N-acetyl-altrosaminic acid,N-acetyl-glucosaminic acid, N-acetyl-mannosaminic acid,N-acetyl-gulosaminic acid, N-acetyl-idosaminic acid, N-acetylgalactosaminic acid, N-acetyl-talosaminic acid,N-acetyl-heptoglucosaminic acid, N-acetyl-heptogalactosaminic acid,N-acetyl-heptomannosaminic acid, N-acetyl-neuraminic acid, and isomericor nonisomeric, free acid, salt, lactone, amide, and ester formsthereof; and wherein the N-acetylamino acid is selected from the groupconsisting of N-acetyl-phenylalanine, N-acetyl-arginine,N-acetyl-lysine, N-acetyl-tryptophan, N-acetyl-glycine,N-acetyl-alanine, N-acetyl-valine, N-acetyl-leucine,N-acetyl-isoleucine, N-acetyl-threonine, N-acetyl-aspartic acid,N-acetyl-proline, N-acetyl-asparagine, N-acetyl-arginine,N-acetyl-lysine, N-acetyl-histidine, N-acetyl-phenylalanine,N-acetyl-tryptophan, N-acetyl-proline, N-acetyl-β-alanine,N-acetyl-taurine, N-acetyl-r-aminobutanoic acid,N-acetyl-hydroxyproline, N-acetyl-canavanine, N-acetyl-hydroxylysine,N-acetyl-cycloserine, N-acetyl-homoarginine, N-acetyl-norleucine,N-acetyl-norvaline, N-acetyl-homoserine, N-acetyl-methylserine,N-acetyl-hydroxyvaline, N-acetyl-ethionine, N-acetyl-methoxinine,N-acetyl-β-aminoisobutanoic acid, N-acetyl-homocysteine,N-acetyl-cysteine sulfinic acid, N-acetyl-homophenylalanine,N-acetyl-homotryptophan, N-acetyl-5-hydroxytryptamine(N-acetylserotonin), N-acetyltryptamine, N-acetyl-ornithine,N-acetyl-citrulline, N-acetyl-argininosuccinic acid, N-acetyl-dopa,N-acetyl-3-iodotyrosine, N-acetyl-3,5-diiodotyrosine,N-acetyl-3,5,3′-triiodothyronine, N-acetyl-thyroxine, N-acetyl-creatine,N-acetyl-creatinine, N-acetyl-cystine, N-acetyl-homocystine, isomeric ornonisomeric, free acid, salt, lactone, amide, and ester forms thereof,and N-acetyl glutamic acid and isomeric or nonisomeric, free acid,lactone, amide, and ester forms thereof.
 4. The method of claim 3,wherein the cosmetic conditions and dermatological disorders areselected from the group consisting of disturbed keratinization,defective syntheses of dermal components, and changes associated withaging of skin, nail and hair, conditions and disorders which includedryness or looseness of skin, nail, and hair, xerosis, ichthyosis,palmar hyperkeratoses, plantar hyperkeratoses, uneven and rough surfacesof skin, nail, and hair, dandruff, Darier's disease, lichen simplexchronicus, keratoses, acne, pseudofolliculitis barbae, eczema,psoriasis, pruritus, warts, herpes, age spots, lentigines, melasmas,blemished skin, hyperkeratoses, hyperpigmented skin, abnormal ordiminished syntheses of collagen, glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, andelastin as well as diminished levels of such components in the dermis,stretch marks, skin lines, fine lines, wrinkles, thinning of skin, nailplate, and hair, skin thickening due to elastosis of photoaging, loss orreduction of skin, nail, and hair resiliency, elasticity andrecoilability, lack of skin, nail, and hair lubricants and luster, dulland older-looking skin, nails, and hair, and fragility and splitting ofnails and hair.
 5. A composition comprising: (A) a pharmaceuticallyacceptable vehicle for topical treatment of cosmetic conditions ordermatological disorders, (B) a therapeutically effective amount of atleast one compound selected from the group consisting of N-acetylaldosamines, and N-acetylamino acids, wherein the N-acetyl aldosamine isselected from the group consisting of N-acetyl-glycerosamine,N-acetyl-erythrosamine, N-acetyl-threosamine, N-acetyl-ribosamine,N-acetyl-arabinosamine, N-acetyl-xylosamine, N-acetyl-lyxosamine,N-acetyl-allosamine, N-acetyl-altrosamine, N-acetyl-gulosamine,N-acetyl-idosamine, N-acetyl-talosamine, N-acetyl-glucoheptosamine,N-acetyl-galactoheptosamine, N-acetyl-mannoheptosamine,N-acetyllactosamine, N-acetylmuramic acid, N-acetylneuramine,N-acetylneuramin lactose, N-glyceraminic acid, N-acetyl-erythrosaminicacid, N-acetyl-threosaminic acid, N-acetyl-ribosaminic acid,N-acetyl-arbinosaminic acid, N-acetyl-xylosaminic acid,N-acetyl-lyxosaminic acid, N-acetyl-allosaminic acid,N-acetyl-altrosaminic acid, N-acetyl-glucosaminic acid,N-acetyl-mannosaminic acid, N-acetyl-gulosaminic acid,N-acetyl-idosaminic acid, N-acetyl-galactosaminic acid,N-acetyl-talosaminic acid, N-acetyl-heptoglucosaminic acid,N-acetyl-heptogalactosaminic acid, N-acetyl-heptomannosaminic acid, andN-acetyl-neuraminic acid, and isomeric or nonisomeric, free acid, salt,lactone, amide, and ester forms thereof; and wherein the N-acetylaminoacid is selected from the group consisting of N-acetyl-phenylalanine,N-acetyl-arginine, N-acetyl-lysine, N-acetyl-tryptophan,N-acetyl-glycine, N-acetyl-alanine, N-acetyl-valine, N-acetyl-leucine,N-acetyl-isoleucine, N-acetyl-threonine, N-acetyl-aspartic acid,N-acetyl-asparagine, N-acetyl-histidine, N-acetyl-proline,N-acetyl-β-alanine, N-acetyl-taurine, N-acetyl-r-aminobutanoic acid,N-acetyl-hydroxyproline, N-acetyl-canavanine, N-acetyl-hydroxylysine,N-acetyl-cycloserine, N-acetyl-homoarginine, N-acetyl-norleucine,N-acetyl-norvaline, N-acetyl-homoserine, N-acetyl-methylserine,N-acetyl-hydroxyvaline, N-acetyl-ethionine, N-acetyl-methoxinine,N-acetyl-β-aminoisobutanoic acid, N-acetyl-homocysteine,N-acetyl-cysteine sulfinic acid, N-acetyl-homophenylalanine,N-acetyl-homotryptophan, N-acetyl-5-hydroxytryptamine(N-acetylserotonin), N-acetyltryptamine, N-acetyl-ornithine,N-acetyl-citrulline, N-acetyl-argininosuccinic acid, N-acetyl-dopa,N-acetyl-3-iodotyrosine, N-acetyl-3,5-diiodotyrosine,N-acetyl-3,5,3′-triiodothyronine, N-acetyl-thyroxine, N-acetyl-creatine,N-acetyl-creatinine, N-acetyl-cystine, N-acetyl-homocystine, and orisomeric or nonisomeric, free acid, salt, lactone, amide, or ester formsthereof, and N-acetyl-glutamic acid and isomeric or nonisomeric, freeacid, lactone, amide, or ester forms thereof; and (C) a cosmetic,pharmaceutical, or other topical agent.
 6. The composition of claim 5,wherein the cosmetic conditions and dermatological disorders areselected from the group consisting of disturbed keratinization,defective syntheses of dermal components, and changes associated withaging of skin, nail and hair, conditions and disorders which includedryness of or looseness of skin, nail, and hair, xerosis, ichthyosis,palmar hyperkeratoses, plantar hyperkeratoses, uneven and rough surfacesof skin, nail, and hair, dandruff, Darier's disease, lichen simplexchronicus, keratoses, acne, pseudofolliculitis barbae, eczema,psoriasis, pruritus, warts, herpes, age spots, lentigines, melasmas,blemished skin, hyperkeratoses, hyperpigmented skin, abnormal ordiminished syntheses of collagen, glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, andelastin as well as diminished levels of such components in the dermis,stretch marks, skin lines, fine lines, wrinkles, thinning of skin, nailplate, and hair, skin thickening due to elastosis of photoaging, loss orreduction of skin, nail, and hair resiliency, elasticity andrecoilability, lack of skin, nail, and hair lubricants and luster, dulland older-looking skin, nails and hair, and fragility and splitting ofnails and hair.
 7. The composition of claim 5, wherein the cosmetic,pharmaceutical, or other topical agent is selected from the groupconsisting of agents that improve or eradicate age spots, keratoses andwrinkles, local analgesics and anesthetics, antiacne agents,antibacterials, antiyeast agents, antifingal agents, antiviral agents,antidandruff agents, antidermatitis agents, antihistamine agents,antipruritic agents, antiemetics, antimotion sickness agents,antiinflammatory agents, antihyperkeratotic agents, antiperspirants,antipsoriatic agents, antiseborrheic agents, hair conditioner and hairtreatment agents, antiaging and antiwrinkle agents, sunblock andsunscreen agents, skin lightening agents, depigmenting agents, vitamins,corticosteroids, tanning agents, hormones, retinoids, and topicalcardiovascular agents.
 8. The composition of claim 5, wherein thecosmetic, pharmaceutical or other topical agent is selected from thegroup consisting of clotrimazole, ketoconazole, miconazole,griseofulvin, econazole, metronidazole, hydroxyzine, diphenhydramine,pramoxine, lidocaine, procaine, mepivacaine, monobenzone, erythromycin,tetracycline, clindamycin, meclocycline, hydroquinone, hydroquinonemonoether, minocycline, naproxen, ibuprofen, theophylline, cromolyn,albuterol, retinol, retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate, retinoic acid,13-cis retinoic acid, hydrocortisone, hydrocortisone 21-acetate,hydrocortisone 17-valerate, hydrocortisone 17-butyrate, betamethasonevalerate, betamethasone dipropionate, triamcinolone acetonide,fluocinonide, clobetasol propionate, benzoyl peroxide, crotamiton,propranolol, promethazine, salicylic acid, vitamin E, and vitamin Eacetate.
 9. A method for treating cosmetic conditions and dermatologicaldisorders comprising topically applying a composition, the compositioncomprising: (A) a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle for topicaltreatment of cosmetic conditions or dermatological disorders, (B) atherapeutically effective amount of at least one compound selected fromthe group consisting of N-acetyl aldosamines and N-acetylamino acids,wherein the N-acetyl aldosamine is selected from the group consisting ofN-acetyl-glycerosamine, N-acetyl-erythrosamine, N-acetyl-threosamine,N-acetyl-ribosamine, N-acetyl-arabinosamine, N-acetyl-xylosamine,N-acetyl-lyxosamine, N-acetyl-allosamine, N-acetyl-altrosamine,N-acetyl-mannosamine, N-acetyl-gulosamine, N-acetyl-idosamine,N-acetyl-talosamine, N-acetyl-glucoheptosamine,N-acetyl-galactoheptosamine, N-acetyl-mannoheptosamine,N-acetyllactosamine, N-acetylmuramic acid, N-acetylneuramine,N-acetylneuramin lactose, N-acetyl-glyceraminic acid,N-acetyl-erythrosaminic acid, N-acetyl-threosaminic acid,N-acetyl-ribosaminic acid, N-acetyl-arbinosaminic acid,N-acetyl-xylosaminic acid, N-acetyl-lyxosaminic acid,N-acetyl-allosaminic acid, N-acetyl-altrosaminic acid,N-acetyl-glucosaminic acid, N-acetyl-mannosaminic acid,N-acetyl-gulosaminic acid, N-acetyl-idosaminic acid,N-acetyl-galactosaminic acid, N-acetyl-talosaminic acid,N-acetyl-heptoglucosaminic acid, N-acetyl-heptogalactosaminic acid,N-acetyl-heptomannosaminic acid, and N-acetyl-neuraminic acid, andisomeric or nonisomeric, free acid, salt, lactone, amine and ester formsthereof; and wherein the N-acetylamino acid is selected from the groupconsisting of N-acetyl-phenylalanine, N-acetyl-arginine,N-acetyl-lysine, N-acetyl-tryptophan, N-acetyl-glycine,N-acetyl-alanine, N-acetyl-valine, N-acetyl-leucine,N-acetyl-isoleucine, N-acetyl-threonine, N-acetyl-aspartic acid,N-acetyl-asparagine, N-acetyl-arginine, N-acetyl-lysine,N-acetyl-histidine, N-acetyl-phenylalanine, N-acetyl-tryptophan,N-acetyl-proline, N-acetyl-β-alanine, N-acetyl-taurine,N-acetyl-r-aminobutanoic acid, N-acetyl-hydroxyproline,N-acetyl-canavanine, N-acetyl-hydroxylysine, N-acetyl-cycloserine,N-acetyl-homoarginine, N-acetyl-norleucine, N-acetyl-norvaline,N-acetyl-homoserine, N-acetyl-methylserine, N-acetyl-hydroxyvaline,N-acetyl-ethionine, N-acetyl-methoxinine, N-acetyl-β-aminoisobutanoicacid, N-acetyl-homocysteine, N-acetyl-cysteine sulfinic acid,N-acetyl-homophenylalanine, N-acetyl-homotryptophan,N-acetyl-5-hydroxytroptamine (N-acetylserotonin), N-acetyltryptamine,N-acetyl-ornithine, N-acetyl-citrulline, N-acetyl-argininocuccinic acid,N-acetyl-dopa, N-acetyl-3-idotyrosine, N-acetyl-3,5-diiodotyrosine,N-acetyl 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine, N-acetyl-thyroxine, N-acetyl-creatine,N-acetyl-creatinine, N-acetyl-cystine, N-acetyl-homocystine, andisomeric or nonisomeric, free acid, salt, lactone, amide, or ester formsthereof, and N-acetyl-glutamic acid and isomeric or nonisomeric, freeacid, lactone, amide, or ester forms thereof; and (C) a cosmetic,pharmaceutical, or other topical agent.
 10. The method of claim 9,wherein the cosmetic conditions and dermatological disorders areselected from the group consisting of disturbed keratinization,defective syntheses of dermal components, and changes associated withaging of skin, nail, and hair, conditions, and disorders which includedryness of or looseness of skin, nail, and hair, xerosis, ichthyosis,palmar hyperkeratoses, plantar hyperkeratoses, uneven and rough surfacesof skin, nail, and hair, dandruff, Darier's disease, lichen simplexchronicus, keratoses, acne, pseudofolliculitis barbae, eczema,psoriasis, pruritus, warts, herpes, age spots, lentigines, melasmas,blemished skin, hyperkeratoses, hyperpigmented skin, abnormal ordiminished syntheses of collagen, glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, andelastin as well as diminished levels of such components in the dermis,stretch marks, skin lines, fine lines, wrinkles, thinning of skin, nailplate, and hair, skin thickening due to elastosis of photoaging, loss orreduction of skin, nail and hair resiliency, elasticity andrecoilability, lack of skin, nail, and hair lubricants and luster, dulland older-looking skin, nails, and hair, and fragility and splitting ofnails and hair.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the cosmetic,pharmaceutical, or other topical agent is selected from the groupconsisting of agents that improve or eradicate age spots, keratoses, andwrinkles, local analgesics and anesthetics, antiacne agents,antibacterials, antiyeast agents, antifungal agents, antiviral agents,antidandruff agents, antidermatitis agents, antihistamine agents,antipruritic agents, antiemetics, antimotion sickness agents,antiinflammatory agents, antihyperkeratotic agents, antiperspirants,antipsoriatic agents, antiseborrheic agents, hair conditioner and hairtreatment agents, antiaging and antiwrinkle agents, sunblock andsunscreen agents, skin lightening agents, depigmenting agents, vitamins,corticosteroids, tanning agents, hormones, retinoids, and topicalcardiovascular agents.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the cosmetic,pharmaceutical or other topical agent is selected from the groupconsisting of clotrimazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, griseofulvin,econazole, metronidazole, hydroxyzine, diphenhydramine, pramoxine,lidocaine, procaine, mepivacaine, monobenzone, erythromycin,tetracycline, clindamycin, meclocycline, hydroquinone, hydroquinonemonoether, minocycline, naproxen, ibuprofen, theophylline, cromolyn,albuterol, retinol, retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate, retinoic acid,13-cis retinoic acid, hydrocortisone, hydrocortisone 21-acetate,hydrocortisone 17-valerate, hydrocortisone 17-butyrate, betamethasonevalerate, betamethasone dipropionate, triamcinolone acetonide,fluocinonide, clobetasol propionate, benzoyl peroxide, crotamiton,propranolol, promethazine, salicylic acid, vitamin E, and vitamin Eacetate.
 13. A composition comprising (A) a pharmaceutically acceptablevehicle for topical treatment of cosmetic conditions or dermatologicaldisorders and (B) at least 1% by total weight of the composition of atleast one compound selected from the group consisting of N-acetylaldosamines and N-acetylamino acids, wherein the N-acetyl aldosamine isselected from the group consisting of N-acetyl-glycerosamine,N-acetyl-erythrosamine, N-acetyl-threosamine, N-acetyl-ribosamine,N-acetyl-arabinosamine, N-acetyl-xylosamine, N-acetyl-lyxosamine,N-acetyl-allosamine, N-acetyl-altrosamine, N-acetyl-glucosamine,N-actetyl-mannosamine, N-acetyl-gulosamine, N-acetyl-idosamine,N-acetyl-galactosamine, N-acetyl-talosamine, N-acetyl-glucoheptosamine,N-acetyl-galactoheptosamine, N-acetyl-mannaheptosamine,N-acetyllactosamine, N-acetylmuramic acid, N-acetylneuramine,N-acetylneuramin lactose, N-acetyl-glyceraminic acid,N-acetyl-erythrosaminic acid, N-acetyl-threosaminic acid,N-acetyl-ribosaminic acid, N-acetyl-arbinosaminic acid,N-acetyl-xylosaminic acid, N-acetyl-lyxosaminic acid,N-acetyl-allosaminic acid, N-acetyl-altrosaminic acid,N-acetyl-glucosaminic acid, N-acetyl-mannosaminic acid,N-acetyl-gulosaminic acid, N-acetyl-idosaminic acid,N-acetyl-galactosaminic acid, N-acetyl-talosaminic acid,N-acetyl-heptoglucosaminic acid, N-acetyl-heptogalactosaminic acid,N-acetyl-heptomannosaminic acid, and N-acetyl-neuraminic acid, andisomeric or nonisomeric, free acid, salt, lactone, amide, or ester formsthereof; and wherein the N-acetylamino acid is selected from the groupconsisting of N-acetyl-phenylalanine, N-acetyl-arginine,N-acetyl-lysine, N-acetyl-tryptophan, N-acetyl glycine,N-acetyl-alanine, N-acetyl-valine, N-acetyl-leucine,N-acetyl-isoleucine, N-acetyl-threonine, N-acetyl-aspartic acid,N-acetyl-proline, N-acetyl-asparagine, N-acetyl-histidine,N-acetyl-β-alanine, N-acetyl-taurine, N-acetyl-r-aminobutanoic acid,N-acetyl-hydroxyproline, N-acetyl-canavanine, N-acetyl-hydroxylysine,N-acetyl-cycloserine, N-acetyl-homoarginine, N-acetyl-norleucine,N-acetyl-norvaline, N-acetyl-homoserine, N-acetyl-methylserine,N-acetyl-hydroxyvaline, N-acetyl-ethionine, N-acetyl-methoxinine,N-acetyl-β-aminoisobutanoic acid, N-acetyl-homocysteine,N-acetyl-cysteine sulfinic acid, N-acetyl-homophenylalanine,N-acetyl-homotryptophan, N-acetyl-5-hydroxytroptamine(N-acetylserotonin), N-acetyltryptamine, N-acetyl-ornithine,N-acetyl-citrulline, N-acetyl-argininosuccinic acid, N-acetyl-dopa,N-acetyl-3-iodotyrosine, N-acetyl-3,5-diiodotyrosine,N-acetyl-3,5,3′-triiodothyronine, N-acetyl-thyroxine, N-acetyl-creatine,N-acetyl-creatinine, N-acetyl-cystine, and N-acetyl-homocystine, andisomeric or nonisomeric, free acid, salt, lactone, amide, or ester formsthereof.
 14. A composition comprising: (A) a pharmaceutically acceptablevehicle for topical treatment of cosmetic conditions or dermatologicaldisorders, (B) a least 1% by total weight of the composition of at leastone compound selected from the group consisting of N-acetyl aldosaminesand N-acetylamino acids wherein the N-acetyl aldosamine is selected fromthe group consisting of N-acetyl-glycerosamine, N-acetyl-erythrosamine,N-acetyl-threosamine, N-acetyl-ribosamine, N-acetyl-arabinosamine,N-acetyl-xylosamine, N-acetyl-lyxosamine, N-acetyl-allosamine,N-acetyl-altrosamine, N-acetyl-glucosamine, N-acetyl-mannosamine,N-acetyl-gulosamine, N-acetyl-idosamine, N-acetyl-galactosaminie,N-acetyl-talosamine, N-acetyl-glucoheptosamine,N-acetyl-galactoheptosamine, N-acetyl-mannaheptosamine,N-acetyllactosamine, N-acetylmuramic acid, N-acetylneuramine,N-acetylneuramin lactose, N-acetyl-glyceraminic acid,N-acetyl-erythrosaminic acid, N-acetyl-threosaminic acid,N-acetyl-ribosaminic acid, N-acetyl-arbinosaminic acid,N-acetyl-xylosaminic acid, N-acetyl-lyxosaminic acid,N-acetyl-allosaminic acid, N-acetyl-altrosaminic acid,N-acetyl-glucosaminic acid, N-acetyl-mannosaminic acid,N-acetyl-gulosaminic acid, N-acetyl-idosaminic acid,N-acetyl-galactosaminic acid, N-acetyl-talosaminic acid,N-acetyl-heptoglucosaminic acid, N-acetyl, heptogalactosaminic acid,N-acetyl-heptomannosaminic acid, and N-acetyl-N-acetylneuraminic acid,and isomeric or nonisomeric, free acid, salt, lactone, amide, and esterforms thereof; and wherein the N-acetylamino acid is selected from thegroup consisting of N-acetyl-phenylalanine, N-acetyl-arginine,N-acetyl-lysine, N-acetyl-tryptophan, N-acetyl-glycine,N-acetyl-alanine, N-acetyl-valine, N-acetyl-leucine,N-acetyl-isoleucine, N-acetyl-threonine, N-acetyl-aspartic acid,N-acetyl-asparagine, N-acetyl-arginine, N-acetyl-lysine,N-acetyl-histidine, N-acetyl-phenylalanine, N-acetyl-tryptophan,N-acetyl-proline, N-acetyl-β-alanine, N-acetyl-taurine,N-acetyl-r-aminobutanoic acid, N-acetyl-hydroxyproline,N-acetyl-canavanine, N-acetyl-hydroxylysine, N-acetyl-cycloserine,N-acetyl-homoarginine, N-acetyl-norleucine, N-acetyl-norvaline,N-acetyl-homoserine, N-acetyl-methylserine, N-acetyl-hydroxyvaline,N-acetyl-ethionine, N-acetyl-methoxinine, N-acetyl-β-aminoisobutanoicacid, N-acetyl-homocysteine, N-acetyl-cysteine sulfinic acid,N-acetyl-homophenylalanine, N-acetyl-homotryptophan,N-acetyl-5-hydroxytryptamine (N-acetylserotonin), N-acetyltryptamine,N-acetyl-ornithine, N-acetyl-citrulline, N-acetyl-argininosuccinic acid,N-acetyl-dopa, N-acetyl-3-iodotyrosine, N-acetyl-3,5-diiodotyrosine,N-acetyl-3,5,3′-triiodothyronine, N-acetyl-thyroxine, N-acetyl-creatine,N-acetyl-creatinine, N-acetyl-cystine, N-acetyl-homocystine, andisomeric or nonisomeric, free acid, salt, lactone, amide, or ester formsthereof, and N-acetyl-glutamic acid and isomeric or nonisomeric, freeacid, lactone, amide, or ester forms thereof; and (C) a cosmetic,pharmaceutical, or other topical agent.
 15. A method for treatingcosmetic conditions and dermatological disorders selected from the groupconsisting of dryness or looseness of skin, nail and hair, ichthyosis,palmar and plantar hyperkeratoses, uneven and rough surface of nail andhair, Darier's disease, lichen simplex chronicus, keratoses, acne,pseudofolliculitis barbae, eczema, psoriasis, pruritus, warts, herpes,age spots, lentigines, melasmas, blemished skin, hyperkeratoses,hyperpigmented skin, abnormal or diminished synthesis of collagen,glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, and elastin as well as diminishedlevels of such components in the dermis, stretch marks, skin lines, finelines, wrinkles, thinning of skin, nail plate, and hair, skin thickeningdue to elastosis of photoaging, loss or reduction of skin resiliency,elasticity and recoilability, lack of skin, nail, and hair lubricantsand luster, dull and older-looking skin, nail, and hair, and fragilityand splitting of nail and hair, the method comprising applying acomposition, the composition comprising (A) a topically acceptablevehicle and (B) a therapeutically effective amount of at least onemember selected from the group consisting of N-acetyl-glucosamine,N-acetyl-galactosamine, N-acetyl-proline, N-acetyl-serine,N-acetyl-glutamine, N-acetyl-tyrosine, N-acetyl-glutamic acid, andisomeric or nonisomeric, free acid, salt, lactone, amide, and esterforms thereof.
 16. A method for treating cosmetic conditions anddermatological disorders selected from the group consisting of drynessof or looseness of skin, and nail, zerosis, ichthyosis, palmar andplantar hyperkeratoses, uneven and rough surface of skin, nail and hair,dandruff, Darier's disease, lichen simplex chronicus, keratoses,pseudofolliculitis barbae, eczema, psoriasis, itchy scalp and skin,pruritus, warts, herpes, hyperkeratoses, abnormal or diminishedsyntheses of collagen, glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, and elastin aswell as diminished levels of such components in the dermis, stretchmarks, skin lines, fine lines, wrinkles, thinning of skin, nail plate,and hair, skin thickening due to elastosis of photoaging, loss orreduction of skin resiliency, elasticity and recoilability, lack of skinand nail lubricants and luster, dull and older-looking skin, the methodcomprising applying a composition, the composition comprising (A) atopically acceptable vehicle and (B) a therapeutically effective amountof at least one member selected from the group consisting ofN-acetyl-methionine, and isomeric or nonisomeric, free acid, salt,lactone, amide, or ester forms thereof.
 17. A method for treatingcosmetic conditions and dermatological disorders selected from the groupconsisting of ichthyosis, palmar and plantar hyperkeratoses, Darier'sdisease, lichen simplex chronicus, keratoses, pseudofolliculitis barbae,eczema, psoriasis, pruritus, warts, herpes, age spots, lentigines,melasmas, blemished skin, hyperkaratoses, hyperpigmented skin, abnormalor diminished syntheses of collagen, glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans,and elastin as well as diminished levels of such components in thedermis, stretch marks, thinning of skin, skin thickening due toelastosis of photoaging, loss or reduction of skin resiliency,elasticity and recoilability, the method comprising applying acomposition, the composition comprising (A) a topically acceptablevehicle and (B) a therapeutically effective amount of N-acetyl-cysteine,and isomeric or nonisomeric, free acid, salt, lactone, amide, and esterforms thereof.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the compositionfurther comprises (C) a cosmetic, pharmaceutical, or other topicalagent.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the cosmetic, pharmaceutical,or other topical agent is selected from the group consisting of agentsthat improve or eradicate age spots, keratoses and wrinkles, localanalgesics and anesthetics, antiacne agents, antibacterials, antiyeastagents, antifungal agents, antiviral agents, antidandruff agents,antidermatitis agents, antihistamine agents, antipruritic agents,antiemetics, antimotion sickness agents, antiinflammatory agents,antihyperkeratotic agents, antiperspirants, antipsoriatic agents,antiseborrheic agents, hair conditioner and hair treatment agents,antiaging and antiwrinkle agents, sunblock and sunscreen agents, skinlightening agents, depigmenting agents, vitamins, corticosteroids,tanning agents, hormones, retinoids, and topical cardiovascular agents.20. The method of claim 18, wherein the cosmetic, pharmaceutical orother topical agent is selected from the group consisting ofclotrimazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, griseofulvin, econazole,metronidazole, hydroxyzine, diphenhydramine, pramoxine, lidocaine,procaine, mepivacaine, monobenzone, erythromycin, tetracycline,clindamycin, meclocycline, hydroquinone, hydroquinone monoether,minocycline, naproxen, ibuprofen, theophylline, cromolyn, albuterol,retinol, retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate, retinoic acid, 13-cisretinoic acid, hydrocortisone, hydrocortisone 21-acetate, hydrocortisone17-valerate, hydrocortisone 17-butyrate, betamethasone valerate,betamethasone dipropionate, triamcinolone acetonide, fluocinonide,clobetasol, propionate, benzoyl peroxide, crotamiton, propranolol,promethazine, salicylic acid, vitamin E, and vitamin E acetate.
 21. Amethod for treating cosmetic conditions and dermatological disordersselected from the group consisting of agents that improve or eradicateage spots, keratoses and wrinkles, local analgesics and anesthetics,antiacne agents, antibacterials, antiyeast agents, antifungal agents,antiviral agents, antidandruff agents, antidermatitis agents,antihistamine agents, antipruritic agents, antiemetics, antimotionsickness agents, antiinflammatory agents, antihyperkeratotic agents,antiperspirants, antipsoriatic agents, antiseborrheic agents, hairconditioner and hair treatment agents, antiaging and antiwrinkle agents,sunblock and sunscreen agents, skin lightening agents, depigmentingagents, vitamins, corticosteroids, tanning agents, hormones, retinoids,and topical cardiovascular agents, the method comprising applying acomposition, the composition comprising (A) a topically acceptablevehicle, (B) a cosmetically, pharmaceutically or other topically activeagent, and (C) a therapeutically effective amount of at least one memberselected from the group consisting of N-acetyl-glucosamine,N-acetyl-galactosamine, N-acetyl-mannosamine, N-acetyl-serine,N-acetyl-glutamine, N-acetyl-methionine, N-acetyl-phenylalanine,N-acetyl-tryptophan, N-acetyl-tyrosine, N-acetyl-proline,N-acetyl-arginine, N-acetyl-lysine, N-acetyl-glutamine acid, andisomeric or nonisomeric, free acid, salt, lactone, amide and ester formsthereof.
 22. A method for treating cosmetic conditions anddermatological disorders selected from the group consisting of drynessor looseness of nail and hair; ichtyosis, palmar and plantarhyperkeratoses, uneven and rough surface of nail and hair, Darier'sdisease, lichen simplex chronicus, keratoses, acne, pseudofolliculitisbarbae, eczema, psoriasis, pruritus, warts, herpes, age spots,lentigines, melasmas, blemished skin, hyperkaratoses, hyperpigmentedskin, abnormal or diminished synthesis of collagen, glycosaminoglycans,proteoglycans, and elastin as well as diminished levels of suchcomponents in the dermis, stretch marks, skin lines, fine lines,wrinkles, thinning of skin, nail plate, and hair, skin thickening due toelastosis of photoaging, loss or reduction of skin resiliency,elasticity and recoilability, lack of skin, nail and hair lubricants andluster, dull and older-looking skin, nail and hair, and fragility andsplitting of nail and hair, the method comprising applying acomposition, the composition comprising (A) a topically acceptablevehicle and (B) a therapeutically effective amount ofN-acetyl-glucosamine, and isomeric or nonisomeric, free acid, salt,lactone, amide and ester forms thereof.
 23. The method of claim 22,wherein the composition further comprises (C) a cosmetic,pharmaceutical, or other topical agent.
 24. The method of claim 23,wherein the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, or other topical agent is selectedfrom the group consisting of agents that improve or eradicate age spots,keratoses, and wrinkles, local analgesics and anesthetics, antiacneagents, antibacterials, antiyeast agents, antifungal agents, antiviralagents, antidandruff agents, antidermatitis agents, antihistamineagents, antipruritic agents, antiemetics, antimotion sickness agents,antiinflammatory agents, antihyperkeratotic agents, antiperspirants,antipsoriatic agents, antiseborrheic agents, hair conditioner and hairtreatment agents, antiaging and antiwrinkle agents, sunblock andsunscreen agents, skin lightening agents, depigmenting agents, vitamins,corticosteroids, tanning agents, hormones, retinoids, and topicalcardiovascular agents.
 25. The method of claim 23, wherein the cosmetic,pharmaceutical, or other topical agent is selected from the groupconsisting of clotrimazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, griscofulvin,econazole, metronidazole, hydroxyzinc, diphenhydramine, pramoxine,lidocaine, procaine, mepivacaine, monobenzone, erythromycin,tetracycline, clindamycin, meclocycline, hydroquinone, hydroquinonemonoether, minocycline, naproxen, ibuprofen, theophylline, cromolyn,albuterol, retinol, retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate, retinoic acid,13-cis retinoic acid, hydrocortisone, hydrocortisone 21-acetate,hydrocortisone 17-valerate, hydrocortisone 17-butyrate, betamethasonevalerate, betamethasone dipropionate, triamcinolone acetonide,fluocinonide, clobetasol propionate, benzoyl peroxide, crotamiton,propranolol, promethazine, salicylic acid, vitamin E, and vitamin Eacetate.
 26. A method for treating cosmetic conditions anddermatological disorders comprising topically applying a composition,the composition comprising (A) a topically acceptable vehicle and (B) atherapeutically effective amount of N-acetyl-proline, its salt, or asisomeric or nonisomeric form thereof, wherein the cosmetic conditionsand dermatological disorders are selected from the group consisting ofichthyosis, palmar hyperkeratoses, plantar hyperkeratoses, Darier'sdisease, lichen simplex chronicus, keratoses, acne, eczema, psoriasis,pruritus, warts, herpes, age spots, lentigines, melasmas,hyperkeratoses, hyperpigmented skin and thinning of skin.
 27. The methodof claim 26, wherein the cosmetic conditions and dermatologicaldisorders are selected from the group consisting of acne, eczema,psoriasis, pruritus, age spots, lentigines, melasmas, hyperpigmentedskin and thinning of skin.
 28. A method for treating cosmetic conditionsand dermatological disorders comprising topically applying acomposition, the composition comprising: (A) a topically acceptablevehicle; (B) a therapeutically effective amount of N-acetyl-proline, itssalt, or as isomeric or nonisomeric forms thereof; and (C) a cosmetic,pharmaceutical, or other topical agents, wherein the cosmetic,pharmaceutical, or other topical agent is selected from the groupconsisting of: agents that improve or eradicate age spots, keratoses,and wrinkles; local analgesics and anesthetics; antiyeast agents;antifungal agents; antiviral agents; antidermatitis agents;antihistamine agents; antipruritic agents; antiemetics; antimotionsickness agents; antiinflammatory agents; antihyperkeratotic agents;antiperspirants; antipsoriatic agents; antiseborrheic agents; antiagingand antiwrinkle agents; sunblock and sunscreen agents; skin lighteningagents; depigmenting agents; corticosteroids; tanning agents; hormones;and topical cardiovascular agents; and wherein the cosmetic conditionsand dermatological disorders are selected from the group consisting of:defective syntheses of dermal components; conditions and disordersselected from dryness of or looseness of skin, nail, and hair; xerosis;ichthyosis; palmar hyperkeratoses; plantar hyperkeratoses; uneven andrough surfaces of skin, nail, and hair; dandruff; Darier's disease;lichen simplex chronicus; keratoses; acne; pseudofolliculitis barbae;eczema; psoriasis; pruritus; warts; herpes; age spots; lentigines;melasmas; hyperkeratoses; hyperpigmented skin; abnormal or diminishedsyntheses of collagen, glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, and elastin inthe dermis; stretch marks; skin lines; fine lines; wrinkles; thinning ofskin, nail plate, and hair; skin thickening due to elastosis ofphotoaging; loss or reduction of skin, nail, and hair resiliency,elasticity, and recoilability; lack of skin, nail, and hair resiliency,elasticity, and recoilability; lack of skin, nail, and hair lubricantsand luster; and fragility and splitting of nails and hair.
 29. Themethod of claim 28, wherein the cosmetic, pharmaceutical or othertopical agent is selected from the group consisting of clotrimazole,ketoconazole, miconazole, griseofulvin, econazole, metronidazole,hydroxyzine, diphenhydramine, pramoxine, lidocaine, procaine,mepivacaine, monobenzone, erythromycin, tetracycline, clindamycin,meclocycline, hydroquinone, hydroquinone monoether, minocycline,naproxen, ibuprofen, theophylline, cromolyn, albuterol, hydrocortisone,hydrocortisone 21-acetate, hydrocortisone 17 -valerate, hydrocortisone17 -butyrate, betamethasone valerate, betamethasone dipropionate,triamcinolone acetonide, fluocinonide, clobetasol propionate,crotamiton, propranolol, promethazine, salicylic acid, vitamin E andvitamin E acetate.
 30. A method for treating cosmetic conditions anddermatological disorders comprising topically applying a composition,the composition comprising (A) a topically acceptable vehicle and (B) atherapeutically effective amount of N-acetyl-proline amide orN-acetyl-proline ester as isomeric or nonisomeric forms thereof, whereinthe cosmetic conditions and dermatological disorders are selected fromthe group consisting of: defective syntheses of dermal components;conditions and disorders which include dryness of or looseness of skin,nail, and hair; xerosis; ichthyosis; palmar hyperkeratoses; plantarhyperkeratoses; uneven and rough skin surfaces of skin, nail, and hair;dandruff; Darier's disease; lichen simplex chronicus; keratoses; acne;pseudofolliculitis barbae; eczema; psoriasis; pruritus; warts; herpes;age spots; lentigines; melasmas; hyperkeratoses; hyperpigmented skin;abnormal or diminished syntheses of collagen, glycosaminoglycans,proteoglycans, and elastin; diminished levels of collagen,glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, and elastin in the dermis; stretchmarks; skin lines; fine lines; wrinkles; thinning of skin, nail plate,and hair; skin thickening due to elastosis of photoaging; loss orreduction of skin, nail, and hair resiliency, elasticity, andrecoilability; lack of skin, nail, and hair lubricants and luster; andfragility and splitting of nails and hair.
 31. A method for treatingcosmetic conditions and dermatological disorders comprising topicallyapplying a composition, the composition comprising: (A) a topicallyacceptable vehicle; (B) a therapeutically effective amount ofN-acetyl-proline amide or N-acetyl-proline ester as isomeric ornonisomeric forms thereof; and (C) a cosmetic, pharmaceutical, or othertopical agents, wherein the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, or other topicalagents is selected from the group consisting of: agents that improve oreradicate age spots, keratoses, and wrinkles; local analgesics andanesthetics; antiacne agents; antibacterials; antiyeast agents;antifungal agents; antiviral agents; antidandruff agents; antidermatitisagents; antihistamine agents; antipruritic agents; antiemetics;antimotion sickness agents; antiinflammatory agents; antihyperkeratoticagents; antiperspirants; antipsoriatic agents; antiseborrheic agents;hair conditioners and hair treatment agents; antiaging and antiwrinkleagents; sunblock and sunscreen agents; skin lightening agents;depigmenting agents; vitamins; corticosteroids; tanning agents;hormones; retinoids; and topical cardiovascular agents; and wherein thecosmetic conditions and dermatological disorders are selected from thegroup consisting of: defective syntheses of dermal components;conditions and disorders selected from dryness of or looseness of skin,nail, and hair; xerosis; ichthyosis; plamar hyperkeratoses; plantarhyperkeratoses; uneven and rough surfaces of skin, nail, and hair;dandruff; Darier's disease, lichen simplex chronicus; keratoses; acne;pseudofolliculitis barbae; eczema; psoriasis; pruritus; warts; herpes;age spots; lentigines; melasmas; hyperkeratoses; hyperpigmented skin;abnormal or diminished syntheses of collagen, glycosaminoglycans,proteoglycans, and elastin; diminished levels of collagen,glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, and elastin in the dermis; stretchmarks; skin lines; fine lines; wrinkles; thinning of skin, nail plate,and hair; skin thickening due to elastosis of photoaging; loss orreduction of skin, nail, and hair resiliency, elasticity, andrecoilability; lack of skin, nail, and hair resiliency, elasticity, andrecoilability; lack of skin, nail, and hair lubricants and luster; andfragility and splitting of nails and hair.
 32. The method of claim 31,wherein the cosmetic, pharmaceutical or other topical agent is selectedfrom the group consisting of clotrimazole, ketoconazole, miconazole,griseofulvin, econazole, metronidazole, hydroxyzine, diphenhydramine,pramoxine, lidocaine, procaine, mepivacaine, monobenzone, erythromycin,tetracycline, clindamycin, meclocycline, hydroquinone, hydroquinonemonoether, minocycline, naproxen, ibuprofen, theophylline, cromolyn,albuterol, retinol, retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate, retinoic acid,13-cis retinoic acid, hydrocortisone, hydrocortisone 21 -acetate,hydrocortisone 17 -valerate, hydrocortisone 17 -butyrate betamethasonevalerate, betamethasone, dipropionate, triamcinolone acetonide,fluocinonide, clobetasol propionate, benzoyl peroxide, crotamiton,propranolol, promethazine, salicylic acid, vitamin E and vitamin Eacetate.
 33. The method of claim 30, wherein the cosmetic conditions anddermatological disorders are selected from acne, pruritus, eczema orpsoriasis.
 34. A method for treating cosmetic conditions anddermatological disorders comprising topically applying a composition,the composition comprising (A) a topically acceptable vehicle and (B) atherapeutically effective amount of N-acetyl-tyrosine as free acid,salt, amide, ester, isomeric or nonisomeric form thereof, wherein thecosmetic conditions and dermatological disorders are selected from thegroup consisting of: defective syntheses of dermal components;ichthyosis; palmar hyperkeratoses; plantar hyperkeratoses; dandruff;Darier's disease; lichen simplex chronicus; keratoses; acne;pseudofolliculitis barbae; eczema; psoriasis; pruritus; warts;hyperkeratoses; abnormal or diminished syntheses of collagen,glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, and elastin; diminished levels ofcollagen, glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, and elastin in the dermis;stretch marks; skin lines; fine lines; wrinkles; thinning of skin, nailplate, and hair; skin thickening due to elastosis of photoaging; loss orreduction of skin, nail, and hair resiliency, elasticity, andrecoilability; lack of skin, nail, and hair lubricants and luster; andfragility and splitting of nails and hair.
 35. A method for treatingcosmetic conditions and dermatological disorders comprising topicallyapplying a composition, the composition comprising: (A) a topicallyacceptable vehicle; (B) a therapeutically effective amount ofN-acetyl-tyrosine as free acid, salt, amide, ester, isomeric ornonisomeric form thereof; and (C) a cosmetic, pharmaceutical, or othertopical agents, wherein the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, or other topicalagent is selected from the group consisting of: agents that improve oreradicate keratoses and wrinkles; local analgesics and anesthetics;antiacne agents; antibacterials; antiyeast agents; antifungal agents;antidandruff agents; antidermatitis agents; antihistamine agents;antipruritic agents; antiemetics; antimotion sickness agents;antiinflammatory agents; antihyperkeratotic agents; antiperspirants;antipsoriatic agents; antiseborrheic agents; hair conditioners and hairtreatment agents; antiaging and antiwrinkle agents; sunblock andsunscreen agents; vitamins; corticosteroids; tanning agents; hormones;retinoids; and topical cardiovascular agents; and wherein the cosmeticconditions and dermatological disorders are selected from the groupconsisting of: defective syntheses of dermal components; conditions anddisorders selected from dryness of or looseness of skin, nail, and hair;xerosis; ichthyosis; palmar hyperkeratoses; plantar hyperkeratoses;uneven and rough surfaces of skin, nail, and hair; dandruff; Darier'sdisease; lichen simplex chronicus; keratoses; acne; pseudofolliculitisbarbae; eczema; psoriasis; pruritus; warts; herpes; hyperkeratoses;abnormal or diminished syntheses of collagen, glycosaminoglycans,proteoglycans, and elastin; diminished levels of collagen,glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, and elastin in the dermis; stretchmarks; skin lines; fine lines; wrinkles; thinning of skin, nail plate,and hair; skin thickening due to elastosis of photoaging; loss orreduction of skin, nail, and hair resiliency, elasticity, andrecoilability; lack of skin, nail, and hair resiliency, elasticity, andrecoilability; lack of skin, nail, and hair lubricants and luster; andfragility and splitting of nails and hair.
 36. The method of claim 35,wherein the cosmetic, pharmaceutical or other topical agent is selectedfrom the group consisting of clotrimazole, ketoconazole, miconazole,griseofulvin, econazole, metronidazole, hydroxyzine, diphenhydramine,pramoxine, lidocaine, procaine, mepivacaine, monobenzone, erythromycin,tetracycline, clindamycin, meclocycline, minocycline, naproxen,ibuprofen, theophylline, cromolyn, albuterol, retinol, retinyl acetate,retinyl palmitate, retinoic acid, 13-cis retinoic acid, hydrocortisone,hydrocortisone 21 -acetate, hydrocortisone 17 -valerate, hydrocortisone17 -butyrate, betamethasone valerate, betamethasone dipropionate,triamcinolone acetonide, fluocinonide, clobetasol propionate, benzoylperoxide, crotamiton, propranolol, promethazine, salicylic acid, vitaminE and vitamin E acetate.
 37. The method of claim 34, wherein theN-acetyl tyrosine is N-acetyl tyrosine ester, and the cosmeticconditions and dermatological disorders are selected from eczema orpsoriasis.
 38. A method for treating cosmetic conditions anddermatological disorders comprising topically applying a composition,the composition comprising (A) a topically acceptable vehicle and (B) atherapeutically effective amount of N-acetyl-glutamine as free acid,salt, amide, ester, isomeric or nonisomeric form thereof, wherein thecosmetic conditions and dermatological disorders are selected from thegroup consisting of: defective syntheses of dermal components; palmarhyperkeratoses; plantar hyperkeratoses; Darier's disease; lichen simplexchronicus; keratoses; acne; pseudofolliculitis barbae; eczema;psoriasis; pruritus; warts; herpes; age spots; lentigines; melasmas;hyperkeratoses; hyperpigmented skin; abnormal or diminished syntheses ofcollagen, glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, and elastin; diminishedlevels of collagen, glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, and elastin inthe dermis; stretch marks; skin lines; fine lines; wrinkles; skinthickening due to elastosis of photoaging; and fragility and splittingof nails and hair.
 39. A method for treating cosmetic conditions anddermatological disorders comprising topically applying a composition,the composition comprising: (A) a topically acceptable vehicle; (B) atherapeutically effective amount of N-acetyl-glutamine as free acid,salt, amide, ester, isomeric or nonisomeric forms thereof; and (C) acosmetic, pharmaceutical, or other topical agents, wherein the cosmetic,pharmaceutical, or other topical agent is selected from the groupconsisting of: agents that improve or eradicate age spots, keratoses,and wrinkles; local analgesics and anesthetics; antiacne agents;antibacterials; antiyeast agents; antifungal agents; antiviral agents;antidermatitis agents; antihistamine agents; antipruritic agents;antiemetics; antimotion sickness agents; antiinflammatory agents;antihyperkeratotic agents; antiperspirants; antipsoriatic agents;antiseborrheic agents; antiaging and antiwrinkle agents; sunblock andsunscreen agents; skin lightening agents; depigmenting agents;corticosteroids; tanning agents; hormones; and topical cardiovascularagents; and wherein the cosmetic conditions and dermatological disordersare selected from the group consisting of: defective syntheses of dermalcomponents; conditions and disorders selected from dryness of orlooseness of skin, nail, and hair; xerosis; ichthyosis; palmarhyperkeratoses; plantar hyperkeratoses; uneven and rough surfaces ofskin, nail, and hair; dandruff; Darier's disease; lichen simplexchronicus; keratoses; acne; pseudofolliculitis barbae; eczema;psoriasis; pruritus; warts; herpes; age spots; lentigines; melasmas;hyperkeratoses; hyperpigmented skin; abnormal or diminished syntheses ofcollagen, glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, and elastin; diminishedlevels of collagen, glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, and elastin inthe dermis; stretch marks; skin lines; fine lines; wrinkles; thinning ofskin, nail plate, and hair; skin thickening due to elastosis ofphotoaging; loss or reduction of skin, nail, and hair resiliency,elasticity, and recoilability; lack of skin, nail, and hair resiliency,elasticity, and recoilability; lack of skin, nail, and hair lubricantsand luster; and fragility and splitting of nails and hair.
 40. Themethod of claim 39, wherein the cosmetic, pharmaceutical or othertopical agent is selected from the group consisting of clotrimazole,ketoconazole, miconazole, griseofulvin, econazole, metronidazole,hydroxyzine, diphenhydramine, pramoxine, lidocaine, procaine,mepivacaine, monobenzone, erythromycin, tetracycline, clindamycin,meclocycline, hydroquinone, hydroquinone monoether, minocycline,naproxen, ibuprofen, theophylline, cromolyn, albuterol, hydrocortisone,hydrocortisone 21-acetate, hydrocortisone 17 -valerate, hydrocortisone17 -butyrate, betamethasone valerate, betamethasone dipropionate,triamcinolone acetonide, fluocinonide, clobetasol propionate, benzoylperoxide, crotamiton, propranolol, promethazine, salicylic acid.
 41. Amethod for treating cosmetic conditions and dermatological disorderscomprising topically applying a composition, the composition comprising(A) a topically acceptable vehicle and (B) a therapeutically effectiveamount of N-acetyl-neuraminic acid or N-acetyl-muramic acid as freeacid, salt, amide, ester, isomeric or nonisomeric forms thereof, whereinthe cosmetic conditions and dermatological disorders are selected fromthe group consisting of: ichthyosis; Darier's disease; lichen simplexchronicus; pseudofolliculitis barbae; eczema; psoriasis; pruritus;hyperpigmented skin; and stretch marks.
 42. The method of claim 41,wherein the cosmetic conditions and dermatological disorders areselected from the group consisting of: eczema; psoriasis; pruritus;hyperpigmented skin; and stretch marks.
 43. The method of claim 42,wherein the cosmetic conditions and dermatological disorders areselected from the group consisting of psoriasis and hyperpigmented skin.44. A method for treating cosmetic conditions and dermatologicaldisorders comprising topically applying a composition, the compositioncomprising: (A) a topically acceptable vehicle; (B) a therapeuticallyeffective amount of N-acetyl-neuraminic acid or N-acetyl-muramic acid asfree acid, salt, amide, ester, isomeric or nonisomeric forms thereof;and (C) a cosmetic, pharmaceutical, or other topical agent, wherein thecosmetic, pharmaceutical, or other topical agent is selected from thegroup consisting of: local analgesics and anesthetics; antibacterials;antiyeast agents; antifungal agents; antidermatitis agents;antihistamine agents; antipruritic agents; antiinflammatory agents;antiperspirants; antipsoriatic agents; antiseborrheic agents; skinlightening agents; depigmenting agents; vitamins; corticosteroids;tanning agents; hormones; and retinoids; and wherein the cosmeticconditions and dermatological disorders are selected from the groupconsisting of: ichthyosis; Darier's disease; lichen simplex chronicus;pseudofolliculitis barbae; eczema; psoriasis; pruritus; hyperpigmentedskin; and stretch marks.
 45. The method of claim 44, wherein thecosmetic, pharmaceutical or other topical agents is selected from thegroup consisting of clotrimazole, ketoconazole, miconazole,griseofulvin, econazole, metronidazole, hydroxyzine, diphenhydramine,pramoxine, lidocaine, procaine, mepivacaine, monobenzone, erythromycin,tetracycline, clindamycin, meclocycline, hydroquinone, hydroquinonemonoether, minocycline, naproxen, ibuprofen, theophylline, cromolyn,albuterol, retinol, retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate, retinoic acid,13-cis retinoic acid, hydrocortisone, hydrocortisone 21 -acetate,hydrocortisone 17 -valerate, hydrocortisone 17 -butyrate, betamethasonevalerate, betamethasone dipropionate, triamcinolone acetonide,fluocinonide, clobetasol propionate, benzoyl peroxide, crotamiton,propranolol, promethazine, salicylic acid, vitamin E and vitamin Eacetate.
 46. A method for treating cosmetic conditions anddermatological disorders comprising topically applying a composition,the composition comprising (A) a topically acceptable vehicle and (B) atherapeutically effective amount of N-acetyl-galactosamine, as isomericor nonisomeric forms thereof, wherein the cosmetic conditions anddermatological disorders are selected from the group consisting of:ichthyosis; palmar hyperkeratoses; plantar hyperkeratoses; Darier'sdisease; lichen simplex chronicus; keratoses; acne; pseudofolliculitisbarbae; eczema; psoriasis; pruritus; warts; herpes; age spots;lentigines; melasmas; hyperkeratoses; hyperpigmented skin; abnormal ordiminished syntheses of collagen and elastin; diminished levels ofcollagen and elastin in the dermis; stretch marks; skin lines; finelines; wrinkles; thinning of skin and nail plate; skin thickening due toelastosis of photoaging; loss or reduction of skin and nail resiliency,elasticity, and recoilability; lack of skin and nail lubricants andluster; and fragility and splitting of nails.
 47. The method of claim46, wherein the cosmetic conditions and dermatological disorders areselected from the group consisting of: ichthyosis; palmarhyperkeratoses; plantar hyperkeratoses; keratoses; acne;pseudofolliculitis barbae; eczema; psoriasis; pruritus; age spots;lentigines; melasmas; hyperkeratoses; hyperpigmented skin; stretchmarks; skin lines; fine lines; wrinkles; and thinning of skin.
 48. Themethod of claim 47, wherein the cosmetic conditions and dermatologicaldisorders are selected from the group consisting of: age spots;lentigines; melasmas; and hyperpigmented skin.
 49. A method for treatingcosmetic conditions and dermatological disorders comprising topicallyapplying a composition, the composition comprising: (A) a topicallyacceptable vehicle; (B) a therapeutically effective amount ofN-acetyl-galactosamine, as isomeric or nonisomeric forms thereof; and(C) a cosmetic, pharmaceutical, or other topical agent, wherein thecosmetic, pharmaceutical, or other topical agent is selected from thegroup consisting of: agents that improve or eradicate age spots,keratoses, and wrinkles; local analgesics and anesthetics; antiacneagents; antibacterials; antiyeast agents; antifungal agents; antiviralagents; antidermatitis agents; antihistamine agents; antipruriticagents; antiemetics; antimotion sickness agents; antiinflammatoryagents; antihyperkeratotic agents; antiperspirants; antipsoriaticagents; antiseborrheic agents; antiaging and antiwrinkle agents;sunblock and sunscreen agents; skin lightening agents; depigmentingagents; vitamins; corticosteroids; tanning agents; hormones; retinoids;and topical cardiovascular agents; and wherein the cosmetic conditionsand dermatological disorders are selected from the group consisting of:defective syntheses of dermal components; conditions and disordersselected from dryness of or looseness of skin, nail, and hair; xerosis;ichthyosis; palmar hyperkeratoses; plantar hyperkeratoses; uneven andrough surfaces of skin, nail, and hair; dandruff; Darier's disease;lichen simplex chronicus; keratoses; acne; pseudofolliculitis barbae;eczema; psoriasis; pruritus; warts; herpes; age spots; lentigines;melasmas; hyperkeratoses; hyperpigmented skin; abnormal or diminishedsyntheses of collagen, glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, and elastin;diminished levels of collagen, glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, andelastin in the dermis; stretch marks; skin lines; fine lines; wrinkles;thinning of skin, nail plate, and hair; skin thickening due to elastosisof photoaging; loss or reduction of skin, nail, and hair resiliency,elasticity, and recoilability; lack of skin, nail, and hair resiliency,elasticity, and recoilability; lack of skin, nail, and hair lubricantsand luster; and fragility and splitting of nails and hair.
 50. Themethod of claim 49, wherein the cosmetic, pharmaceutical or othertopical agent is selected from the group consisting of clotrimazole,ketoconazole, miconazole, griseofulvin, econazole, metronidazole,hydroxyzine, diphenhydramine, pramoxine, lidocaine, procaine,mepivacaine, monobenzone, erythromycin, tetracycline, clindamycin,meclocycline, hydroquinone, hydroquinone monoether, minocycline,naproxen, ibuprofen, theophylline, cromolyn, albuterol, retinol, retinylacetate, retinyl palmitate, retinoic acid, 13-cis retinoic acid,hydrocortisone, hydrocortisone 21 -acetate, hydrocortisone 17 -valerate,hydrocortisone 17 -butyrate, betamethasone valerate, betamethasonedipropionate, triamcinolone acetonide, fluocinonide, clobetasolpropionate, benzoyl peroxide, crotamiton, propranolol, promethazine,salicylic acid, vitamin E and vitamin E acetate.
 51. A method fortreating cosmetic conditions and dermatological disorders comprisingtopically applying a composition, the composition comprising (A) atopically acceptable vehicle and (B) a therapeutically effective amountof N-acetyl-mannosamine, as isomeric or nonisomeric forms thereof,wherein the cosmetic conditions and dermatological disorders areselected from the group consisting of: ichthyosis; palmarhyperkeratoses; plantar hyperkeratoses; Darier's disease; lichen simplexchronicus; keratoses; acne; pseudofolliculitis barbae; eczema;psoriasis; pruritus; warts; herpes; age spots; lentigines; melasmas;hyperkeratoses; hyperpigmented skin; abnormal or diminished syntheses ofcollagen and elastin; diminished levels of collagen and elastin in thedermis; stretch marks; skin lines; fine lines; wrinkles; thinning ofskin and nail plate; skin thickening due to elastosis of photoaging;loss or reduction of skin and nail resiliency, elasticity, andrecoilability; lack of skin and nail lubricants and luster; andfragility and splitting of nails.
 52. The method of claim 51, whereinthe cosmetic conditions and dermatological disorders are selected fromthe group consisting of: ichthyosis; palmar hyperkeratoses; plantarhyperkeratoses; keratoses; acne; pseudofolliculitis barbae; eczema;psoriasis; pruritus; age spots; lentigines; melasmas; hyperkeratoses;hyperpigmented skin; stretch marks; skin lines; fine lines; wrinkles;and thinning of skin.
 53. The method of claim 52, wherein the cosmeticconditions and dermatological disorders are selected from the groupconsisting of: age spots; lentigines; melasmas; and hyperpigmented skin.54. A method for treating cosmetic conditions and dermatologicaldisorders comprising topically applying a composition, the compositioncomprising: (A) a topically acceptable vehicle; (B) a therapeuticallyeffective amount of N-acetyl-mannosamine, as isomeric or nonisomericforms thereof; and (C) a cosmetic, pharmaceutical, or other topicalagent, wherein the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, or other topical agent isselected from the group consisting of: agents that improve or eradicateage spots, keratoses, and wrinkles; local analgesics and anesthetics;antiacne agents; antibacterials; antiyeast agents; antifungal agents;antiviral agents; antidermatitis agents; antihistamine agents;antipruritic agents; antiemetics; antimotion sickness agents;antiinflammatory agents; antihyperkeratotic agents; antiperspirants;antipsoriatic agents; antiseborrheic agents; antiaging and antiwrinkleagents; sunblock and sunscreen agents; skin lightening agents;depigmenting agents; vitamins; corticosteroids; tanning agents;hormones; retinoids; and topical cardiovascular agents; and wherein thecosmetic conditions and dermatological disorders are selected from thegroup consisting of: defective syntheses of dermal components;conditions and disorders selected from dryness of or looseness of skin,nail, and hair; xerosis; ichthyosis; palmar hyperkeratoses; plantarhyperkeratoses; uneven and rough surfaces of skin, nail, and hair;dandruff; Darier's disease; lichen simplex chronicus; keratoses; acne;pseudofolliculitis barbae; eczema; psoriasis; pruritus; warts; herpes;age spots; lentigines; melasmas; hyperkeratoses; hyperpigmented skin;abnormal or diminished syntheses of collagen, glycosaminoglycans,proteoglycans, and elastin; diminished levels of collagen,glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, and elastin in the dermis; stretchmarks; skin lines; fine lines; wrinkles; thinning of skin, nail plate,and hair; skin thickening due to elastosis of photoaging; loss orreduction of skin, nail, and hair resiliency, elasticity, andrecoilability; lack of skin, nail, and hair resiliency, elasticity, andrecoilability; lack of skin, nail, and hair lubricants and luster; andfragility and splitting of nails and hair.
 55. The method of claim 54,wherein the cosmetic, pharmaceutical or other topical agent is selectedfrom the group consisting of clotrimazole, ketoconazole, miconazole,griseofulvin, econazole, metronidazole, hydroxyzine, diphenhydramine,pramoxine, lidocaine, procaine, mepivacaine, monobenzone, erythromycin,tetracycline, clindamycin, meclocycline, hydroquinone, hydroquinonemonoether, minocycline, naproxen, ibuprofen, theophylline, cromolyn,albuterol, retinol, retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate, retinoic acid,13-cis retinoic acid, hydrocortisone, hydrocortisone 21 -acetate,hydrocortisone 17 -valerate, hydrocortisone 17 -butyrate, betamethasonevalerate, betamethasone dipropionate, triamcinolone acetonide,fluocinonide, clobetasol propionate, benzoyl peroxide, crotamiton,propranolol, promethazine, salicylic acid, vitamin E and vitamin Eacetate.
 56. A method for treating pruritus comprising topicallyapplying a composition, the composition comprising (A) a topicallyacceptable vehicle and (B) a therapeutically effective amount ofN-acetyl-cysteine as free acid, salt, amide, ester, isomeric ornonisomeric forms thereof.